PMA alerta sobre peligro de hambre en Gaza

The World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Thursday that hundreds of thousands of people are once again in danger of acute hunger and malnutrition in the Gaza Strip, as the closure of border countries continues to block aid and resources from entering.

In a statement, the WFP denounced that «the extension of military activity» in the Palestinian enclave seriously affects the distribution of aid and «endangers the lives of humanitarian workers on a daily basis.»

Therefore, it lamented that «WFP and its partners faced many difficulties when trying to deliver food» to the local population. «In Gaza, there are currently 5,700 tons of food, which allow WFP operations to be covered for a maximum of two weeks,» it explained.

That is why it emphasized that the program needs $265 million (€245 million) in financing over the next six months to carry out operations to «save lives» and assist 1.5 million people in Gaza and the West Bank.

«As the situation deteriorates safely and travel continues, the needs increase. WFP is trying to distribute food as soon as possible,» it explained, before emphasizing that the plan includes food distribution to half a million people.

It also stressed the importance of supporting local bakeries and noted that there are currently a total of 25 operational ones, although many face an excess of demand and the possibility of a bread shortage throughout the Gaza Strip.

Furthermore, it lamented that two of the kitchens supported by the UN are «inactive» due to Israeli army evacuation orders, which continue with an offensive that has led to over 50,200 deaths.

On the other hand, it warned about the increase in security incidents, which «affect UN staff» and «severely restrict movements.» «This leads to problems in food distribution,» it emphasized, while calling on all parties to «prioritize the needs of civilians, to protect humanitarian workers and UN personnel.»

FUENTE