Top UN official, Carl Skau, has warned that the World Food Programme (WFP) is on the brink of collapse in its ability to supply basic necessities to the people in Gaza due to escalating Israeli attacks. Skau, Deputy Director of the WFP, expressed concern over the lack of food and the dire conditions faced by the people in Gaza. He emphasized the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire and called for immediate action to address the worsening situation.
Skau revealed that only a fraction of the necessary food is reaching the Gaza Strip, exacerbating the already dire situation. In addition to the food shortage, there is also a lack of fuel, making it difficult to provide aid to those in need. Skau described the overcrowded camps and emergency shelters, where Gazans are forced to live in unhealthy conditions, with the constant sound of Israel’s bombing raids in the background.
With law and order breaking down, Skau emphasized that it is nearly impossible to carry out any meaningful humanitarian operations. He stated that Gazans are living in cramped conditions, both in shelters and on the streets, as winter approaches. The lack of food and essential supplies has left the population vulnerable and in need of immediate assistance.
Skau’s plea for a humanitarian ceasefire comes after the United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an end to the bombardment of Gaza. This move has been strongly condemned by humanitarian groups. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres invoked Article 99 of the UN charter, which had not been used in decades, to trigger the vote, stating that the people of Gaza are “looking into the abyss.”
Skau highlighted the recent seven-day truce as evidence that humanitarian aid can be delivered if conditions allow. However, he stressed the need for more than one crossing point and emphasized the importance of free and safe passage to reach Palestinians wherever they are. Skau revealed that a new process for inspecting Gaza aid at the Karem Abu Salem crossing is being tested, but Israel has so far refused to open it. Skau expressed hope that this crossing, along with the Rafah crossing from Egypt, could facilitate the delivery of humanitarian supplies into Gaza.
Colonel Elad Goren, head of the civil department at COGAT, the Israeli agency for civilian coordination with the Palestinians, stated that Kerem Shalom crossing will be opened for inspection in the coming days. Discussions are ongoing with the United States, the UN, and Egypt to increase the volume of humanitarian assistance. Skau emphasized the readiness of the WFP to provide aid, with trucks and resources in place to reach approximately one million people in one month.
Skau concluded by painting a grim picture of the situation in Gaza, describing it as increasingly chaotic, with people scrambling for aid and the humanitarian operation on the verge of collapse. He highlighted the dire needs of the population, with half of them starving and nine out of ten not eating every day. Urgent action is required to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and prevent further suffering.
In conclusion, the situation in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly, with the WFP’s ability to provide basic necessities on the verge of collapse. The lack of food, fuel, and essential supplies, coupled with the constant bombing raids, has left the population in dire need of assistance. The vetoing of a UN Security Council resolution by the United States has been met with strong criticism from humanitarian groups. The plea for a humanitarian ceasefire and the opening of crossing points are crucial steps towards addressing the crisis and ensuring the delivery of aid to those in need.
