GAZA STRIP: The UN World Food Program (WFP) announced the successful delivery of aid for 25,000 people to Gaza City for the first time in weeks. This marked the first convoy to reach the northern region since February 20th, highlighting a critical need for ongoing assistance.
Amidst this delivery, a sense of urgency resonates, with the WFP stressing the necessity for daily aid missions and direct entry points into Gaza’s northern areas. The region faces an imminent threat of famine, demanding immediate and sustained efforts to prevent a humanitarian crisis.
While additional relief supplies are en route via an aid ship from Cyprus, UN officials caution that maritime deliveries cannot replace overland assistance to Gaza. The importance of land routes for the transportation of essential goods remains paramount, especially given the dire conditions in the northern territories.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, compounded by restrictions on “dual-use” items that hinder the delivery of crucial supplies. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini condemned the refusal to allow essential medical items into the enclave, underscoring the urgency of facilitating humanitarian access.
“Medical scissors are now added to a long list of banned items the Israeli Authorities classify as ‘for dual use’. The list includes basic and lifesaving items: from anaesthetics, solar lights, oxygen cylinders and ventilators, to water cleaning tablets, cancer medicines and maternity kits.
“The clearance of humanitarian supplies and the delivery of basic and critical items need to be facilitated and accelerated. The lives of two million people depend on that, there is no time to waste.”
Cindy McCain, WFP’s executive director, said that Urgent action is required to scale up humanitarian assistance, particularly in the northern regions where the situation is most dire.
Despite challenges, the WFP remains committed to exploring all avenues to alleviate hunger in Gaza. However, the primary emphasis remains on ensuring reliable road access and utilizing existing ports and crossings to meet the escalating needs of the population.
𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 | WFP delivered enough food for 25,000 people to Gaza City early Tuesday in first successful convoy to the north since 20 February.
With people in northern #Gaza on the brink of famine, we need deliveries every day + we need entry points directly into the north. pic.twitter.com/RGxymQXlR9
— WFP Media (@WFP_Media) March 12, 2024
