Action Against Hunger warns that humanitarian aid that has begun to enter the Gaza Strip is dramatically insufficient to meet the needs of a population already living on the brink of survival.
Currently, food aid allowed into Gaza is restricted to bakery distributions, baby food, and hot meals through community kitchens. Humanitarian operations are extremely difficult due to the crisis and restrictions on the ground.
Natalia Anguera, Head of Operations for the Middle East at Action Against Hunger, said,
“While we welcome the minimal progress, the humanitarian aid inflow we have witnessed until now is ‘practically nothing’. We have food stored in Jordan ready to feed thousands of families for a month, but it can’t cross the border into Gaza because of restrictions.
“Our local suppliers can’t get ingredients and due to the siege, they have run out of reserve. Aid modalities such as community kitchens, which were possible a week ago, are no longer possible due to lack of stock availability.
“The main challenges we still face are the need for a massive inflow of aid into Gaza through the different entry points and facilitating the dignified distribution of aid to the Gazan population, as well as ensuring the safety of the civilian population and of humanitarian workers and resources.”
Action Against Hunger stresses that the current humanitarian model is still valid and with experience of more than 20 years in Gaza, shows that the UN-coordinated model is effective and transparent. In the last year alone, Action Against Hunger has been able to deliver humanitarian aid in various forms such as food, water, nutritional supplements, etc., to more than one million people.
Action Against Hunger reaffirms its unwavering commitment to humanitarian principles, neutrality, independence and impartiality. It is key to ensure that humanitarian principles are upheld, access is granted to help people in all circumstances, and in coordination with the United Nations, its member states, and donors.
Natalia Anguera concludes:
“Every day of delay worsens hunger and brings Gaza closer to famine. We cannot allow aid to remain blocked while millions of people, including children, see their lives threatened. The international community must act now.”
Action Against Hunger reiterates its commitment to continue working in Gaza as long as access and security conditions allow and calls on all actors involved to prioritise the lives and dignity of the civilian population above all other considerations as well as the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages.