UN World Food Programme Faces Challenges in Gaza Amid Increased Israeli Attacks
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) confirmed that humanitarian operations in the Gaza Strip have become more difficult, especially with winter approaching. Corinne Fleischer, WFP’s Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe, stated that increased Israeli attacks on humanitarian workers are hindering efforts to prevent famine. She noted that half a million people are living in catastrophic, famine-like conditions.
Fleischer pointed out several obstacles faced by humanitarian groups, including destroyed roads that will become harder to navigate in winter and long waiting hours for Israeli permits to move. She also mentioned severe overcrowding in shelters, with nearly two million people living in about 11% of the Strip’s area.
Fleischer stressed that the past month saw an increase in Israeli evacuation orders and a worsening security environment for humanitarian workers, affecting the programme’s ability to reach citizens and provide assistance. The WFP lost its third and last operating warehouse in the central region of the Strip due to Israeli evacuation orders, along with five community kitchens and 20 food distribution points.
Doubts Revealed
UN -: UN stands for the United Nations, an international organization that works to maintain peace and help countries cooperate on various issues like health, education, and food.
World Food Programme -: The World Food Programme (WFP) is a part of the United Nations that helps provide food to people who don’t have enough to eat, especially in emergencies.
Gaza -: Gaza is a small region in the Middle East, near Israel and Egypt, where many people live and sometimes face conflicts and shortages of basic needs like food and water.
Israeli attacks -: Israeli attacks refer to military actions taken by Israel, often in response to conflicts with groups in Gaza. These actions can sometimes make it hard for people to get help.
humanitarian workers -: Humanitarian workers are people who help others in need, especially during emergencies like wars or natural disasters. They provide food, medical care, and other support.
Corinne Fleischer -: Corinne Fleischer is a person who works for the World Food Programme and is responsible for overseeing their efforts in a specific region.
permits -: Permits are official documents that allow people to do certain things, like travel or work in specific areas. Without permits, it can be hard to move around or get things done.
famine -: Famine is a severe shortage of food that can cause many people to go hungry and even die. It often happens during wars or natural disasters.
