Gaza: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a call for the opening of all crossings into the Gaza Strip. This move is aimed at expanding humanitarian operations to address the urgent need for life-saving assistance in the region.
According to Qatar News Agency, WFP has reported that almost one million people in Gaza have received food aid following the ceasefire. However, the organization emphasized that the current level of access is inadequate to meet the extensive humanitarian needs present.
WFP spokesperson Abeer Atefa highlighted that three and a half weeks after the ceasefire, the program has successfully distributed food parcels to nearly one million individuals across the Strip. Atefa underscored the necessity of opening additional crossings and enhancing humanitarian access.
To meet the WFP's operational goals and commitments, Atefa stressed the need for improved access, including the opening of more border crossings and the utilization of main roads within Gaza. The WFP's target is to reach 1.6 million people in need of assistance.
At present, only two border crossings are operational, prompting the WFP spokesperson to advocate for the opening of crossings to northern Gaza. This measure is seen as essential for stabilizing markets and addressing the needs of the population.
The WFP is currently operating 44 food distribution centers in Gaza, but aims to increase this number to 145. The Israeli occupation authorities have intermittently halted aid to Gaza during the recent conflict, worsening the already dire humanitarian situation, which the United Nations has described as catastrophic. Prior to the ceasefire, there were warnings from the international community about potential famine in parts of the besieged region.