As the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates, Palestinians are grappling with severe food shortages and escalating prices, exacerbated by the closure of crossings and intensified military operations. The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued urgent warnings about the looming threat of famine, stating that essential supplies have not entered the territory since March 2. With remaining food stocks sufficient for only two weeks, the situation is becoming increasingly dire.

The WFP highlighted that it requires 30,000 tons of food monthly to meet the needs of 1.1 million people in Gaza. Yet, with 85,000 tons of food supplies waiting outside the enclave, the blockade remains a significant barrier to relief efforts. The prices of basic commodities have skyrocketed; a 25 kg bag of wheat flour now costs $50, an alarming 400% increase from pre-crisis levels.

Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, emphasised that this marks the longest period without humanitarian aid since the onset of the conflict, with hunger levels continuing to rise. The rejection of humanitarian requests by Israeli authorities further complicates the situation, leaving vital supplies and support inaccessible to those in desperate need.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that most attempts to coordinate aid have been denied, with only nine of 49 requests approved between March 18 and 24. This has hindered crucial relief operations, including providing bakeries with fuel and gathering essential supplies.

In a troubling escalation, the Israeli Supreme Court has dismissed petitions seeking permission for aid to enter Gaza, effectively legitimising policies contributing to the starvation of the Palestinian population. The humanitarian toll is staggering, with reports indicating hundreds of casualties among health workers and civilians, alongside a critical shortage of medical supplies.

Displacement continues to rise, with OCHA estimating that over 142,000 individuals have been forced from their homes in just a few days. Evacuation orders have impacted vast areas, intensifying the suffering of an already beleaguered population.

As conditions worsen, the WFP has called for immediate action to prioritise civilian needs, protect humanitarian workers, and ensure the flow of aid into Gaza. The need for $265 million over the next six months is urgent to support relief efforts targeting those most affected by this humanitarian catastrophe.