Hunger in Gaza: Famine findings a ‘dark mark’ on the world, says WFP Palestine country director
Story | 18 March 2024
Emergency
State of Palestine
- 1.1 million
- people at Catastrophe levels of hunger
- Over 1.45 million
- people reached by WFP in Gaza each month
- US$760 million
- needed for WFP operations until end of 2024
Famine is imminent in the north of Gaza. Malnutrition among children is proceeding at record pace, and one of three children below the age of two is now acutely malnourished or “wasted”.
The number of people in Gaza facing Catastrophe levels of hunger has doubled in less than three months, from 570,000 in December to 1.1 million today.
WFP is providing desperately needed food to 1.45 million of the population in Gaza each month. We distribute ready-to-eat food parcels, hot meals, wheat flour and specialized products to stave off malnutrition in Palestine.
The choice is clear: surge or starvation. WFP has food supplies ready and can scale up to feed all 2.2 million people across Gaza to help address the chronic food shortage. We need a humanitarian ceasefire. We need Israel to allow more routes into Gaza, including from the north, and use of Ashdod port. We need humanitarian staff and supplies to move freely, and the people of Gaza to access assistance safely.
What the World Food Programme is doing to respond to the Palestinian emergency
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Food assistance
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WFP provided assistance to 1.55 million people in Gaza and the West Bank in February. We deliver food in shelters, makeshift camps and shops. But we are unable to guarantee a regular flow of food to people who so badly need it.
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Supply chain
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WFP is helping bakeries get back on their feet by providing them with wheat flour and other necessary resources to operate. After 50 days of being shut down, nine bakeries in Deir El Balah and Rafah are now producing bread again, at a subsidized price, for people in Gaza. Around 500,000 people have been able to buy bread again because of this assistance.
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Logistics
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WFP supports partners through the Logistics Cluster, the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster and the Food Security Cluster. WFP works with local partners on the ground to deliver assistance where possible.
How you can help
Humanitarian needs are rising even further in Palestine. Please donate today and help life-saving support reach those families who need it the most.
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