UN warns hunger deepening in Gaza as families survive on one meal a day

The UN warned on Wednesday that hunger is very serious in the Gaza Strip. Millions of people are having a hard time finding enough food, even with ongoing help efforts. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric spoke to reporters and shared information from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). According to this data, 2.1 million people in Gaza are stuck in less than half of the area, making it hard for them to reach farms, food supplies, and important services. Dujarric explained that many people cannot go to parts of Gaza where land and key facilities, like waste dumps, are located. They also cannot travel outside or reach the West Bank, where they could get specialized health care. He noted that only a small number of people who leave Gaza for medical reasons represent the many who need services that are not available every day. The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that over 1.6 million people get food parcels, hot meals, bread, or cash support each month. Humanitarian groups are also providing about 1.1 million meals each day through more than 120 community kitchens in Gaza. Despite this, Dujarric mentioned that even after six months of a ceasefire, hunger is still a big issue, and malnutrition levels are high. Many families depend on food aid to survive, as fresh food is too costly. One in five families is eating only one meal a day. When asked by Anadolu if the warnings about not enough aid are being listened to, Dujarric expressed hope that their message is reaching beyond the media. However, he recognized that there hasn’t been much progress. He said, “We hope others besides you hear us. These are concerns we bring up daily with Israeli officials and American representatives. The truth is there hasn’t been much positive change.” Dujarric added, “We don’t control the situation. We are on the ground and our colleagues see the conditions firsthand. They understand what is needed, but we are just not receiving it.”