The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) has announced the suspension of humanitarian aid from its temporary port in Gaza, citing security concerns. This decision comes after two WFP warehouses in Nuseyrat were hit by rockets during Israeli military operations aimed at rescuing four prisoners. WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain expressed that the safety of employees is paramount, stating, "We have taken a step back for now. We want to make sure that the security conditions are met to start over."
Despite the suspension, McCain assured that the WFP continues its aid efforts in other parts of Gaza, particularly in the northern and southern regions. She highlighted the urgent need for a ceasefire to facilitate the delivery of sufficient aid to the area, noting that one WFP employee was injured in the recent bombings.
The situation in Gaza has been dire, with intensified attacks by the Israeli military on the Nuseyrat Refugee Camp and other central regions of the Gaza Strip. According to reports, these attacks have resulted in the deaths of 274 Palestinians, including 64 children and 57 women, and have injured 698 people. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees has emphasized the necessity of ending the suffering of Palestinians.
The ongoing conflict has persisted for 248 days, with the Israeli military's actions leading to widespread destruction and humanitarian crises without achieving significant strategic gains. The international community has largely condemned the violence and the resulting humanitarian toll. Since the beginning of the conflict, the Palestinian Ministry of Health reports 37,124 Palestinian deaths and 84,712 injuries.
McCain's call for a ceasefire underlines the critical need for stability to allow humanitarian operations to resume and address the severe needs of the population in Gaza.
