The World Food Program (WFP) announced on Monday, May 17, emergency aid to more than 51,000 people in the Gaza Strip, in response to the growing humanitarian needs of families affected by the outbreak of violence between Israel and the territory. Palestinian.

In collaboration with its partners, WFP has started to provide cash assistance to purchase food for the populations of northern Gaza, the UN agency said in a statement. 

“For people who have lost or fled their homes, one of the most pressing needs right now is food. The fastest and most effective way to help them is to provide them with money, in the form of electronic vouchers. Food is available at the moment and many local shops are still open, "Samer AbdelJaber, WFP representative and country director in Palestine, said in the statement.

Risk of shortage as long as Gaza is sealed off

However, closing the crossings to the overcrowded enclave could soon cause a shortage of basic commodities, including food, and push up food prices.

Prices for fresh produce are already on the rise as farmers cannot move back and forth from their land, the UN agency said.

"The people of Gaza are already living on the brink and many families are struggling to put food on the table. Their situation has deteriorated further over the past year due to restrictions linked to the Covid pandemic. 19, ”said Corinne Fleischer, WFP Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

"The majority of the population cannot withstand further shocks," she added.

53% poverty in Gaza

In Gaza, WFP regularly supports around 260,000 people through cash transfers or assistance for food, direct food rations and livelihood support projects.

More than two-thirds of Gaza's two million people were already food insecure before the current escalation of the conflict.

More than half of Gaza's population (53%) lives in poverty and unemployment reaches 45%.

WFP says it needs $ 31.8 million to assist 435,000 vulnerable people in Gaza and the West Bank for six months, and $ 14 million for emergency assistance for 160,000 people in Gaza and 60,000 more in the West Bank over the next three months.

With AFP

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