Dire Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Urgent Call for International Aid
UNICEF/Eyad El Baba Children in Gaza collect cardboard to light fires for cooking. VIA UN NEWS
Catastrophic Conditions That Devastated the North
In a harrowing address via UN News, Matthew Hollingsworth, the World Food Program (WFP) Country Director in Palestine, has sounded the alarm about the dire humanitarian situation unfolding in Gaza. Speaking from Jerusalem after a 10-day visit to Gaza, Hollingsworth warned that the southern part of the enclave is on the brink of experiencing the same catastrophic conditions that devastated the north in the early months of the ongoing conflict.
A Desperate Situation
Hollingsworth's observations paint a bleak picture of life in Gaza, where he describes the situation as "horrific and apocalyptic." The "exodus" from Rafah over the past 20 days has been a traumatic ordeal for the displaced population, many of whom have already been forced to relocate multiple times. Those fleeing have moved to areas with severely limited access to clean water, medical supplies, food, and communication networks.
"Public health concerns are beyond crisis levels," Hollingsworth stated. "People sleep to the sounds of bombing, drones, and war, with tanks now rolling into parts of central Rafah, which is only kilometers away."
Insufficient Aid and Support
The humanitarian response has struggled to keep pace with the escalating needs. Hollingsworth noted that from May 7 to May 20, not a single WFP truck crossed from Egypt into Rafah. The lack of fuel and supplies has forced the closure of WFP bakeries in Rafah, and the agency has been unable to access its main warehouse in the south due to it being in an evacuation zone. The 2,700 tonnes of food stored there have been either looted or destroyed in the fighting.
Despite these challenges, aid partners continue to provide some support, with hot meals being served to around 27,000 people in Rafah. However, this is insufficient to meet the needs of the displaced population, particularly in central areas like Al Mawasi, where nearly a million people have sought refuge.
Northern Gaza Sees Improvement
In contrast, the situation in northern Gaza has seen some improvement following the opening of two crossings, which allowed the entry of approximately 12,000 tonnes of inter-agency aid, mostly food, since May 1. This influx of aid has made a noticeable difference in the region, highlighting the impact of coordinated humanitarian efforts when access is permitted.
"We're actually seeing the results of what can happen when there is a will to enable sufficient levels of aid," Hollingsworth commented.
Call for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Access
The WFP official emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and the release of all hostages, noting that previous calls have gone unheeded. He stressed that the international community must prioritize a sustainable solution to prevent further suffering.
"We are tired. People are tired. We desperately need to start helping people go beyond this day-to-day existence and scraping for an existence," Hollingsworth said. "And to do that, there has to be a ceasefire."
The International Community Must Act
The situation in Gaza remains critical, with the humanitarian needs far outstripping the available resources. The international community must act swiftly to ensure that aid reaches those in desperate need and to support efforts towards a lasting ceasefire. The voices of those like Matthew Hollingsworth serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for a comprehensive and compassionate response.
Stay informed and get involved. Visit InfoDecon.com for the latest updates on the Gaza crisis and other critical global issues. Support our mission to provide accurate, in-depth coverage and advocacy. Join us in amplifying the voices of those affected by conflict and humanitarian crises. Together, we can make a difference.
Reference
UN News:Situation in southern Gaza ‘horrific and apocalpytic’: WFP
