Israel-Hamas war: UN calls for humanitarian food corridors as Gaza faces hunger crisis

11 Oct 2023 --- Food supplies are being severely hampered in Gaza, Palestine, after the recent incursion into Israeli territory of Islamist terrorist organization Hamas, which massacred over one thousand civilians on Saturday. Late yesterday, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) renewed calls for humanitarian corridors, including the delivery of vital food supplies, as it carried out an emergency operation in the region.

The WFP previously warned that food security is of the utmost importance to humanitarian relief and that safe passage for aid and food trade should be agreed. 

Against a chaotic backdrop, it’s difficult to pinpoint what food supplies and ingredients will be impacted the most as the conflict intensifies. 

But essential food distribution networks and food production face massive disruption amid damaged infrastructure in the Gaza strip, the WFP notes. 

The majority of shops, stores and foodservice outlets in Palestine’s affected areas currently maintain one month of food stock, but these will deplete quickly as panicked locals stockpile in fear of a prolonged conflict.

Critical food assistance
The WFP stresses it’s closely monitoring the availability and prices of food items and other commodities in its network of local shops.

A statement from the organization reads: “The WFP is also starting the distribution of cash-based transfers to 164,000 people in Gaza and the West Bank. Electronic vouchers can be redeemed on food items in local shops. The WFP is concerned about availability of food in local shops as supplies are running out.” 

“All borders and checkpoints between the West Bank and Gaza are closed, which is further exacerbating the crisis by preventing much-needed assistance from entering.” 

UN stresses that collective punishment of an entire population was prohibited under international humanitarian law (Image credit: UNRWA).In the days ahead, pending the replenishment of food stocks through the opening of humanitarian corridors, the WFP will distribute food to around 300,000 people in host communities and make available cash-based-platforms to humanitarian partners.

Stockpiling and rationing
Meanwhile, there are mass reports of empty shelves and shortages as Israelis also stockpile food and other essentials.

The Israeli authorities are also understood to be exploring import options for potatoes, peppers and other vegetables that are grown in the south of the country and supplied nationwide. 

Some of Israel’s leading supermarkets are also believed to be rationing certain food sales. 

The WFP also warns that frequent electricity cuts will lead to huge food spoilage.

Food stocks are being dispatched to people who have been displaced or are in shelters. However, the WFP says more robust food support will arrive “when the situation allows.”

However, while Israel is safeguarding access to food, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced a “complete siege” of Gaza earlier this week and pledged to cut off food, water, electricity and fuel access in response to the Hamas incursion on October 7.

By Gaynor Selby