Have Flour Supplies in Gaza Run Out?
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Synopsis
In a dire situation, the UNRWA reports that flour supplies in Gaza have completely run out, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis as Israel maintains its blockade. More than two million Palestinians are left without essential food aid, and the death toll continues to rise amidst renewed military actions.
Key Takeaways
- UNRWA flour supplies in Gaza are completely depleted.
- Israel's blockade has restricted humanitarian aid since March 2.
- Over two million Palestinians are facing severe food shortages.
- The death toll in Gaza has reached 52,243 since the conflict escalated.
- Calls for assistance remain unanswered amidst the crisis.
Gaza, April 27 (NationPress) The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) announced on Sunday that its flour supplies in Gaza have been exhausted due to Israel's ongoing restrictions on food and humanitarian aid.
"UNRWA's flour stocks were completely depleted earlier this week," it shared on the social media platform X.
"The situation is deteriorating in Gaza. Many individuals, particularly children, are relying on charitable organizations for warm meals to survive."
"We have approximately 3,000 trucks filled with essential aid ready to enter Gaza," it reiterated, calling for the blockade to be lifted to facilitate the urgent delivery of aid to over two million Palestinians, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Since March 2, Israel has prohibited all humanitarian assistance from entering Gaza.
The ceasefire with Hamas ended on March 18, prompting a resurgence of deadly air and ground strikes on the region.
As per reports from Gaza health authorities, the renewed Israeli military actions have resulted in the deaths of 2,151 Palestinians and injuries to 5,598 others. The total death toll in Gaza since the conflict escalated in October 2023 has reached 52,243, with 117,639 injured.
On Friday, the UN World Food Programme reported that it too has run out of food supplies in Gaza, as the border crossings remain closed.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini expressed grave concerns, stating that Palestinian children in the besieged Gaza Strip are facing starvation.
"The government of Israel continues to obstruct the entry of essential food items and other necessities," he stated.
"This situation amounts to a manmade and politically motivated starvation."
"Despite calls for assistance, the situation remains dire."
Since March 2, the closures on Gaza's borders for food, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid have deepened the crisis, according to reports from various government, human rights, and international organizations.
"This is the most prolonged closure the Gaza Strip has ever endured, worsening already fragile markets and food systems," they emphasized, adding: "People are running out of coping mechanisms, and the small advancements made during the brief ceasefire are unraveling."
This distressing news follows the World Food Programme announcing in late March that all of its 25 bakeries in the Gaza Strip had ceased operations due to fuel and flour shortages.
Israel maintains that its blockade is vital to diminish Hamas's influence over the population, claiming there is "no shortage" of aid in Gaza while accusing the militant group of hoarding supplies.
Point of View
It is our responsibility to present an unbiased report on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The depletion of flour supplies and the ongoing blockade highlight the urgent need for international assistance and dialogue to address the suffering of the Palestinian population. We must advocate for the voices of those affected to be heard in order to facilitate meaningful change.
NationPress
14/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the depletion of flour supplies in Gaza?
The depletion of flour supplies in Gaza has been attributed to Israel's ongoing restrictions on the entry of food and humanitarian aid, which have been in place since March 2.
How many people are affected by the food crisis in Gaza?
Over two million Palestinians are affected by the food crisis in Gaza, facing severe shortages of essential supplies due to the blockade.
What is the current humanitarian situation in Gaza?
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is critical, with increased hunger and starvation reported, particularly among children, due to the lack of food and medical supplies.
What actions have been taken by UN agencies regarding the crisis?
UN agencies, including UNRWA and the World Food Programme, have called for lifting the blockade and have reported depleting food stocks as the situation worsens.
What are the implications of the ongoing blockade on Gaza?
The ongoing blockade has led to a humanitarian catastrophe, severely impacting food systems and causing widespread suffering among the population.
