DaysofPal- One of Gaza’s largest food aid providers has issued a stark warning, stating that it only has enough flour to distribute for the next six days, further compounding the region’s humanitarian crisis.
Sam Rose from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) emphasized the severity of the situation during a press briefing in Geneva, stating, “We can stretch that by giving people less, but we are talking days not weeks.”
Rose also noted the growing pressure on the region’s food distribution system, adding, “Six of 25 bakeries that the World Food Program supported had to close down. There are larger crowds on streets outside bakeries.”
The food shortage is being exacerbated by Israel’s restrictions on the entry of goods into Gaza, which began in early March amidst a standoff over a truce that had brought a temporary halt to the fighting for seven weeks. The blockade has caused prices for essential food items and fuel to soar, forcing many in Gaza to ration their meals.
Israel’s decision to resume airstrikes on Gaza on March 18 has intensified the already dire situation. The bombardment follows Israel’s refusal to move forward with the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, which had been initially signed to facilitate a phased exchange of captives and prisoners between Israel and Hamas.
The first phase, which saw Israeli captives held by Hamas exchanged for Palestinian prisoners, expired earlier this month. Despite Hamas’ willingness to continue the terms of the truce and engage in negotiations, Israel has set preconditions, imposed new restrictions on humanitarian aid, and stalled talks on a full military withdrawal and a lasting peace agreement.
Hamas has expressed its openness to further discussions but insists that no new agreements are necessary, reaffirming its commitment to the original terms of the ceasefire.
At least 591 Palestinians have been killed and over 1,042 injured since Israel’s offensive resumed, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The majority of the casualties, 70 percent, are women and children, further highlighting the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict on the civilian population.
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