According to the World Food Programme (WFP), shocking scenes unfolded in Gaza as hungry civilians rushed towards aid trucks amid extreme desperation and food scarcity. The organization reported the arrival of 77 trucks carrying essential flour supplies early on Saturday, only to see chaos erupt as people fought to secure provisions for their families.
Due to the risk that convoys might not reach intended storage facilities, WFP determined that aid should be distributed directly to the waiting crowds. The recent easing of an 11-week blockade by Israel has allowed limited aid to enter Gaza, but the UN has criticized the amounts as merely fulfilling “just over 10% of daily food requirements” for the stricken population.
WFP communications specialist Abeer Etefa highlighted the dire circumstances, stating that, after nearly 80 days of total blockade, desperate citizens showed no hesitation in claiming food supplies. Although staff attempted to manage the distribution by limiting the amount individuals could take, chaos ensued, rendering these efforts largely ineffective.
As a humanitarian assessment warns of a critical risk of famine affecting the entire population, Etefa emphasized that two million Gaza residents are urgently in need of food assistance. Meanwhile, criticism has been leveled at various parties, with allegations of mismanaged aid distribution and ongoing military strikes, further complicating an already catastrophic situation.
The conflict continues to escalate, with mounting casualties in Gaza exacerbating the suffering of civilians, especially children who are facing heightened risks of trauma and malnutrition.
Source: www.bbc.com
