Aid workers are racing against the clock to deliver essential supplies to the Gaza Strip, where thousands of Palestinians are struggling with hunger. The UN's World Food Programme (WFP) has increased its aid deliveries since a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect last month, but experts warn that the situation remains dire.
The WFP has provided food parcels to over one million Palestinians in Gaza, but officials say the amount of aid being delivered is insufficient, particularly in northern Gaza where famine conditions have been confirmed. The region's main crossings are severely limited, forcing convoys to follow a slow and difficult route from the south, which makes it difficult for WFP to deliver aid at scale.
The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by Israel's continued restrictions on aid deliveries, including the closure of key roads across Gaza that would allow food to be transported quickly. "We need full access," said Abeer Etefa, a senior spokesperson for the UN's World Food Programme. "We need everything to be moving fast. We are in a race against time."
The winter months are approaching, and aid workers fear that the situation will only worsen if more supplies cannot be delivered. Palestinians have been forced to live in makeshift shelters after their homes were destroyed during Israel's two-year bombardment, leaving many families without access to basic necessities.
The Israeli army has continued to carry out attacks on Gaza, including demolishing homes and structures, which has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. The WFP is urging Israel to allow more supplies into the Strip as outlined in the ceasefire agreement.
Despite efforts by aid agencies to increase deliveries, thousands of Palestinians are still struggling with hunger. Khalid al-Dahdouh, a Palestinian father of five, returned to his home in Gaza City only to find it in ruins. He has since built a small shelter using salvaged bricks and mud, but admits that the structure is "primitive" and offers little protection from the cold, insects, and rain.
The UN and other aid agencies are growing increasingly concerned about the situation on the ground, particularly as Palestinians face harsh winter conditions ahead. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of conflict on civilians and the need for urgent action to address the crisis.
The WFP has provided food parcels to over one million Palestinians in Gaza, but officials say the amount of aid being delivered is insufficient, particularly in northern Gaza where famine conditions have been confirmed. The region's main crossings are severely limited, forcing convoys to follow a slow and difficult route from the south, which makes it difficult for WFP to deliver aid at scale.
The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by Israel's continued restrictions on aid deliveries, including the closure of key roads across Gaza that would allow food to be transported quickly. "We need full access," said Abeer Etefa, a senior spokesperson for the UN's World Food Programme. "We need everything to be moving fast. We are in a race against time."
The winter months are approaching, and aid workers fear that the situation will only worsen if more supplies cannot be delivered. Palestinians have been forced to live in makeshift shelters after their homes were destroyed during Israel's two-year bombardment, leaving many families without access to basic necessities.
The Israeli army has continued to carry out attacks on Gaza, including demolishing homes and structures, which has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. The WFP is urging Israel to allow more supplies into the Strip as outlined in the ceasefire agreement.
Despite efforts by aid agencies to increase deliveries, thousands of Palestinians are still struggling with hunger. Khalid al-Dahdouh, a Palestinian father of five, returned to his home in Gaza City only to find it in ruins. He has since built a small shelter using salvaged bricks and mud, but admits that the structure is "primitive" and offers little protection from the cold, insects, and rain.
The UN and other aid agencies are growing increasingly concerned about the situation on the ground, particularly as Palestinians face harsh winter conditions ahead. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of conflict on civilians and the need for urgent action to address the crisis.