The Gaza Strip has been facing a severe food shortage due to the Israeli blockade that has been in place since October 7. This blockade has resulted in shortages of medical supplies, food, drinking water, and electricity. As of October 21, only 84 trucks carrying aid have been allowed into the Strip, a significant decrease compared to the nearly 500 trucks that used to deliver aid daily before the conflict began. The aid that has entered Gaza does not include fuel, which is crucial for powering hospitals, water and sewage facilities, and generating electricity.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has stated that 141 tonnes of food supplies have crossed into the land since October 21, but much more aid is needed. To address the urgent humanitarian crisis, at least 40 trucks carrying food supplies need to enter Gaza daily, according to the WFP.
The situation is dire, and the lack of basic supplies is putting the lives of the 2.3 million Palestinians at risk of starvation and disease. The situation is exacerbated by the shortage of fuel, which is affecting water and sanitation services. The United Nations agencies have warned that without urgent humanitarian aid, there is a risk of outbreaks of cholera and other deadly infectious diseases. Food insecurity is also a major concern, especially among women and female-headed households in the Gaza Strip.
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Source: Al Jazeera
