UN Reports Closure of Bakeries in Gaza Amid Ongoing Hostilities and Evacuation Orders
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Synopsis
The United Nations reports a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the aid blockade has resulted in the closure of 25 bakeries. Food supplies are critically low as Israel's evacuation orders intensify and military operations continue.
Key Takeaways
- 25 bakeries shut down due to aid blockade.
- Critical food shortages reported in Gaza.
- Israeli evacuation orders affecting civilians.
- Rescue operation concluded with 15 bodies recovered.
- 408 aid workers killed since October 7, 2023.
United Nations, April 2 (NationPress) The ongoing aid blockade has led to the closure of 25 bakeries in Gaza, as food supplies dwindle, Israel's evacuation orders escalate, and military actions persist, according to UN humanitarian officials.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the halt in aid shipments to Gaza continues, severely impacting those in need. All 25 bakeries, which were previously supported by the World Food Programme (WFP) during the ceasefire, are now closed due to a lack of flour and cooking gas, as noted by the Xinhua news agency.
WFP stated that it is continuing to distribute food from remaining stocks, but the situation is extremely critical following the closure of crossings nearly a month ago.
OCHA highlighted that Israeli displacement orders are forcing civilians to evacuate across the Gaza Strip, thereby limiting the safe spaces available for families to find shelter.
On Monday, the office indicated that the latest evacuation directive encompasses nearly the entire Rafah governorate, where an estimated 150,000 individuals are currently located. These orders have rendered civilians vulnerable to ongoing hostilities and stripped them of access to essential services for their survival.
OCHA also reported that a complex, week-long rescue operation concluded on Sunday with the recovery of 15 bodies of emergency and aid personnel in Tal As Sultan in Rafah. An Israeli ground operation commenced in the governorate on March 23, and efforts to reach and recover casualties have been ongoing since.
"The available information reveals that the initial team was killed by Israeli forces on March 23, and subsequent emergency and aid crews were hit one after another over several hours while searching for their missing colleagues," stated OCHA. "They were buried under the sand, alongside their destroyed emergency vehicles, including clearly marked ambulances, a fire truck, and a UN vehicle."
UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher extended condolences on Monday to the families of the deceased. He emphasized that the United Nations seeks answers and justice.
According to OCHA, at least 408 aid workers have lost their lives in Gaza since the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023.
