Eyewitness: ‘We have plenty of food ready to go into Gaza – we just need the go-ahead’
Story | 18 May 2025
Emergency
Famine threatens people across Gaza as violence intensifies, border crossings remain closed and food is dangerously scarce.
Hunger and malnutrition have surged drastically since all aid was blocked from entering the Gaza Strip on 2 March, reversing humanitarian gains seen during the ceasefire in early 2025.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) – the global standard for measuring food insecurity – indicates that 470,000 people are facing catastrophic hunger. The entire population is experiencing acute food insecurity.
An alarming 71,000 children and more than 17,000 mothers will need urgent treatment for acute malnutrition.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has depleted its food stocks in Gaza. More than 116,000 metric tons of food assistance – enough to feed 1 million people for up to 4 months - is ready to be brought into Gaza if the blockade is lifted.
There is deep concern over escalating violence and movement restrictions in the West Bank, which are severely disrupting markets, livelihoods and food security. More than 40,000 people have been displaced since mid-January 2025. We are prioritizing food vouchers and cash assistance to sustain the economy and maintain food security.
WFP urges all parties to prioritize the needs of civilians and allow aid to enter Gaza immediately, and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.