Gaza Strip sees slight improvement in food availability

Local volunteers of the World Central Kitchen cook meals to be distributed to needy Palestinians in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on May 3, 2024. Photo: AFP

The World Health Organization has reported a minor improvement in the availability of food in the Gaza Strip, although the threat of famine still looms over the besieged territory.

WHO representative Rik Peeperkorn mentioned that there has been a slight increase in basic food supplies, including wheat and more diverse food options in both the southern and northern regions.

Ahmed Dahir from the WHO’s Gaza sub-office noted that the situation has improved in recent weeks, with more food reaching the northern areas that were particularly at risk of famine.

However, he emphasized that the food situation in Gaza remains fragile, as many residents still struggle to afford food due to financial constraints.

Peeperkorn highlighted the impact of the conflict on local food production, noting the devastation caused to agriculture by the war.

Despite the recent improvements, both Peeperkorn and Dahir cautioned that the risk of famine has not disappeared and that sustained efforts are needed to ensure continued access to food for the population.

The distribution of aid and missions in Gaza has faced challenges, with Peeperkorn expressing concerns over the delays and complexities involved in delivering assistance to those in need. The ongoing conflict, which began after Hamas’s attack on southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.