Gaza Faces Dire Hunger Crisis as Aid Trucks Challenged by Crowds

The World Food Programme (WFP) reports chaotic crowds desperate for aid, highlighting the severe food insecurity affecting millions in Gaza.

Crowds of desperate civilians overwhelmed aid trucks in Gaza, a situation reported by the World Food Programme (WFP), amid a growing humanitarian crisis. An emergency delivery of 77 food trucks, primarily loaded with flour, arrived overnight and into Saturday, but WFP spokesperson Abeer Etefa noted that due to extreme hunger and desperation, "all trucks were stopped along the way, with food taken mainly by hungry people trying to feed their families."

This chaos ensued after Israel lifted an 11-week-long blockade on May 19; however, the UN indicated that the amount of aid entering Gaza was only about 10% of what is necessary for the population's needs. "The desperate ones who cannot wait to get to distribution points" rushed to the incoming food trucks, as stated by Ms. Etefa, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

WFP aimed to use delivery routes that were safer and closer to where people lived; despite these efforts, workers found it difficult to control the distribution, leading to many taking more than the intended one bag of flour. "After nearly 80 days of a total blockade, starving people will not let a food truck pass," the WFP declared. A UN-supported assessment has categorized the entire Gaza population as at “critical risk” of famine, affecting around two million individuals in urgent need of assistance.

Israel's rationale for the blockade included pressuring Hamas to release hostages, with claims from the UN Palestinian relief agency chief stating that the approximately 900 trucks sent to Gaza over the past week fell significantly short of daily requirements. Criticism was directed towards the UN for its aid distribution strategies, with the Israeli military agency Cogat alleging that many trucks remain unused and waiting at border crossings.

Compounding the humanitarian struggles, Israeli military operations continued over the weekend, reported to have resulted in the deaths of 60 individuals within a 24-hour period. The situation has also severely impacted healthcare, with hospitals overwhelmed and doctors facing immense challenges and malnutrition while understaffed and paid inadequately, as detailed by Christos Georgalas, a Greek surgeon.

Meanwhile, diplomatic tensions rose as four Arab states canceled a visit meant to promote Palestinian statehood amid these ongoing crises. Saudi Arabia and France are set to co-host a conference aiming to revive the two-state solution to address the conflict.

Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza following a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, resulting in substantial loss of life and displacement. The toll continues to rise, with a reported 54,381 deaths in Gaza since the onset of hostilities, raising urgent calls for a reassessment of aid distribution and diplomatic efforts in the region.