The UN World Food Programme (WFP) today issued a grave warning about the dire food security situation in northern Gaza, where ongoing violence has cut off critical food aid lifelines.
With main crossings into the area closed and no food aid entering since October 1, thousands of Palestinian families are at immediate risk.
According to the WFP, food distribution points, bakeries, and kitchens in North Gaza have been forced to shut down due to airstrikes and military operations. The only functioning bakery in the region, supported by the WFP, caught fire after being hit by an explosive.
Antoine Renard, WFP’s Country Director for Palestine, stated, “The north is basically cut off, and we’re not able to operate there.” Despite WFP’s efforts to provide life-saving food daily, Renard stressed that without safe and sustained access, it is virtually impossible to reach those in need.
The WFP reported that its remaining food supplies in northern Gaza—including canned food, wheat flour, and nutrition supplements—have been distributed to shelters and health facilities. However, these supplies are running out, and it’s unclear how long they will last if the conflict continues to escalate.
WFP is also facing difficulties in southern and central Gaza, where insecurity at crossing points has halted food distributions. Bakeries are struggling to secure wheat flour, putting them at risk of closing down. Meanwhile, aid entering Gaza has dropped to its lowest level in months, with WFP able to bring in only four percent of the food needed to sustain a million people this month.
“If we cannot get more aid into and across Gaza, we won’t be able to deliver food parcels to more than a million Palestinians,” Renard warned, emphasizing the risk of famine. With winter approaching and Gazans lacking shelter, fuel, and aid, the need for safe, sustained access is more critical than ever.
