In a heart-wrenching scene marked by destruction and despair, Gaza is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis as the closure of border crossings extends beyond thirty days. Over two million Palestinians are enduring severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, with living conditions deteriorating by the hour. The blockade has turned Gaza into a disaster zone, where hospitals are overwhelmed with patients and families stand in long lines, struggling to secure even a meager meal for their children.

The recent shutdown of all bakeries across the region underscores the gravity of the situation. With essential supplies like flour, diesel, and yeast running out, bakeries—once a vital source of sustenance—have ceased operations. Abdel Nasser Al-Ajrami, head of the Gaza Bakeries Association, describes the ongoing blockade as a "real starvation war," emphasizing that the restrictions on goods have precipitated this crisis. He warns of a critical deterioration in living conditions as residents grapple with the compounded effects of conflict and deprivation, while international responses remain frustratingly absent.

Prior to the blockade, Gaza consumed approximately 450 tons of flour daily, with bakeries meeting half of the population’s needs. However, the destruction of many automated bakeries, particularly in the north, has exacerbated the crisis, resulting in millions of dollars in losses. The dire situation has prompted Amjad Al-Shawa, Director General of the Palestinian NGO Network in Gaza, to issue urgent warnings about the implications of dwindling flour supplies. He notes that bakeries supported by the World Food Programme have completely run out of flour, jeopardising food security for those reliant on humanitarian aid.

The closure of bakeries threatens to push Gaza towards famine, as community kitchens struggle to prepare hot meals. Without immediate international intervention, the humanitarian situation is set to spiral further into catastrophe. The urgent reopening of border crossings and the swift entry of food and medical supplies are imperative to avert an even greater disaster for the civilian population. Time is running out, and the call for action has never been more crucial.