Gaza: The World Food Program called for immediate action to avoid a famine in the Gaza Strip, and warned that the humanitarian crisis there could soon worsen as a result of what it described as severe restrictions on the flow of aid. A global monitor warned this month that the entire Palestinian sector is still at risk of famine because Israeli military operations are exacerbating fears and impeding the delivery of humanitarian aid.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the World Food Program added in a statement: “As the situation in northern Gaza continues to deteriorate, the possibility of a larger group being affected by famine will certainly increase unless conditions on the ground improve.” The program said it has about 94,000 tons of food ready in Egypt and Jordan, enough to feed one million people for four months, but it cannot bring it into Gaza because the open entry points are too few and some are not safe enough.

The World Food Programme highlighted that “the restrictions on humanitarian aid
coming into Gaza are severe,” noting that only 5,000 tons have entered the Strip this month. It emphasized that approval of trucks and truck drivers and delays at checkpoints are among other restrictions that need to be addressed to improve the flow of aid into the Strip.