The World Food Program warned of a serious humanitarian crisis in Gaza

In 2023, this cycle reached new, unprecedented peaks with increasing tensions in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank since October 7, the organization highlighted in a statement issued here.

He pointed out that this situation “caused the death of civilians, widespread destruction, mass displacement, high food prices and the depreciation of the currency.”

The Foundation indicated that all Gaza's population, numbering 2.2 million people, now urgently need food, humanitarian aid and protection.

The World Food Program indicated that 1.7 million of this number have been displaced to temporary shelters or overcrowded areas with limited access to basic needs.

He added that half a million people face catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity, which represents the highest proportion of the population ever recorded in the world.

He regretted that food shortages, coupled with insufficient intake of essential macro- and micronutrients, were of particular concern to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant and lactating women and girls.

However, the UN agency noted that “the humanitarian response to date has been insufficient to avert an imminent famine.”

He also condemned the conflict in the Strip and its spillover effects in the West Bank, which has led to the closure of cities, increased presence at checkpoints, cancellation of work permits to work in Israel, and preventing Palestinian farmers from accessing their agricultural lands.

OMR/ROB