 "Palestinians gather to receive food cooked by a charity kitchen, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in the northern Gaza Strip, September 11, 2024. REUTERS")
Gaza has not received food shipments since October 1, putting over 1 million people at risk of starvation.
The UN’s World Food Programme told CNN that approximately 700 aid trucks entered northern Gaza in August, while in September, far fewer trucks (400) entered the region following the suspension of all commercial operations at the Allenby Crossing, located on the border between the West Bank and Jordan.
WFP reported earlier this week that aid entering Gaza has significantly decreased, hitting its lowest level in months. This shortage has compelled the WFP to halt the distribution of food parcels in October.
“Hunger remains rampant and the threat of famine persists. If the flow of assistance does not resume, one million vulnerable people will be deprived on this lifeline," the organisation added.
Gaza stares at acute food shortage
According to CNN, the two main bakeries supported by the WFP in Gaza have also been shut down for three days, making the situation even grimmer.
Al-Banna Bakery and Zadna Bakery, both located in Deir al-Balah have had to cease operations due to shortages of flour and fuel. According to bakery workers and local residents, these shortages have made it impossible for the bakeries to continue providing bread, a crucial staple for many people in the area.
An employee at the Al-Banna bakery said, “I am the head of a family of six. The day I work, I can feed my family. The day I don’t, we don’t eat. People are chasing flour, and we go to bakeries searching for where bread is available.”