The United Nations Food Programme has run out of food supplies for families in Gaza.

 Last week, WFP delivered its last remaining food stocks to hot meal kitchens in Gaza. Hot meal kitchens have been the only consistent source of food for people in Gaza. Despite reaching only half the population, they are a critical lifeline.

 WFP has also provided bakeries to distribute affordable break in Gaza. On March 31, all 25 WFP-supported bakeries closed after wheat flour and cooking fuel ran out. The same week, WFP food parcels distributed to families were exhausted. WFP is also concerned about the severe lack of safe water and fuel for cooking, which has forced people to scavenge items to burn to cook a meal.

 No humanitarian or commercial supplies have entered Gaza for more than seven weeks as all main border crossing points remain closed. This is the longest closure Gaza has faced, heightening already fragile markets and food systems. Food prices have skyrocketed up to 1,400 percent compared to during the ceasefire, and essential food commodities are in short supply raising serious nutrition concerns for vulnerable populations, including children under five, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and the elderly.

 More than 116,000 metric tons of food assistance – enough to feed one million people for up to four months - is positioned at aid corridors and is ready to be brought into Gaza by WFP and food security partners as soon as borders reopen. 

 The situation inside the Gaza Strip has once again reached a breaking point: people are running out of ways to cope, and the fragile gains made during the short ceasefire have unravelled. Without urgent action to open borders for aid and trade to enter, WFP’s critical assistance may be forced to end.

 WFP urges all parties to prioritize the needs of civilians and allow aid to enter Gaza immediately and uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.

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