In a recent briefing, the United Nations’ deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, emphasized the alarming reduction in aid entering Gaza, marking it as the lowest in months. This decline has resulted in severe food shortages, with no food parcels distributed recently due to restricted access to supplies, Haq explained. The situation has forced bakeries across Gaza to close, unable to obtain wheat flour, while the World Food Program’s kitchens have ceased operation amid ongoing conflict. Nevertheless, international organizations, including the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), strive to continue delivering essential humanitarian aid by distributing bread, ready-to-eat meals, and flour during this crisis. For more details, Haq’s statement can be found here.
This announcement closely follows a report highlighting the dire state of food security in Gaza. Michael Fakhri, the UN Special Rapporteur, declared that Palestinians are experiencing acute hunger due to Israeli actions, which he stated include blockades, resource deprivation, and infrastructure destruction. These measures, Fakhri argued, reflect a neglect of Israel’s human rights obligations and accuse the country of using starvation as a means of systemic oppression. You can view the full report by Fakhri here.
Additionally, other UN officials have pointed out the deterioration of international order as atrocities continue unabated in Gaza. Reports from special rapporteurs depict a global failure to address these escalating conflicts, coinciding with the International Court of Justice’s yet unimplemented provisional measures aimed at preventing genocide. The situation highlights pressing calls from the UN for heightened international intervention and tangible actions to support the Palestinian community under siege. Further insights into these developments can be explored here. The comprehensive coverage of these issues is available on JURIST.