Tragic loss highlights urgent need for improved security in Gaza food aid operations
GAZA / JERUSALEM - The World Food Programme (WFP) mourns the tragic loss of two young girls and one woman, who died when crowds of people overwhelmed a WFP-supported bakery in Deir Al Balah. This incident unfolded in a moment of desperation as people anxiously tried to get access to scarce food supplies in Gaza.
In the past several weeks, a lack of permissions, combined with increasing violence on the ground, have restricted WFP's ability to bring food assistance into the Gaza Strip. Currently WFP is only getting in 30 percent of the food supplies required to maintain its operations. When food does arrive, WFP immediately distributes it to partners and bakeries the next day.
On November 16, WFP and other agencies lost approximately 100 trucks carrying wheat flour and canned food due to violence. The resulting flour shortages at bakeries and reduced food distributions are directly tied to access issues and insecurity on the ground.
Despite the mounting challenges, WFP has reached roughly 815,000 people with some form of food assistance in November. An estimated half a million people received a food parcel considered to be one third of the normal monthly ration, while 300,000 received hot meals.
WFP has tried to keep famine at bay for the past year, but the lack of food aid and the absence of the commercial sector, are driving people into hunger.
WFP stands ready to deliver at scale with enough food prepositioned at border crossings to cover food needs for the next six months if security allows. WFP urges authorities to provide the secure conditions needed for our operations to reach those in need.