UN Halts Food Distribution in Rafah Amidst Crisis

 

The United Nations has taken the difficult decision to suspend food distribution in the southern Gaza city of Rafah due to critical shortages and ongoing insecurity. The situation has escalated to the point where Unrwa, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, has declared that its distribution center and a World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse are now inaccessible. Here are the key details:

• Reasons for Suspension:

  • Shortages: The lack of essential supplies has made it impossible to continue distributing food to the vulnerable population in Rafah.
  • Insecurity: The ongoing Israeli military operation against Hamas in eastern Rafah has created an unsafe environment for aid workers and recipients.

• Humanitarian Impact:

  • Displaced Population: An estimated 810,000 out of more than a million people who sought refuge in Rafah have fled since the Israeli operation began on May 6.
  • Health Centers: Unrwa’s health centers have not received any medical supplies in the past 10 days, exacerbating the crisis.

• Challenges with Aid Delivery:

  • Floating Pier: Aid trucks have been unable to enter Rafah via a newly-completed floating pier set up by the U.S. for sea deliveries.
  • Crowd Control: Desperate Palestinians looted several WFP lorries transporting aid from the pier to a warehouse in Deir al-Balah, prompting the agency to suspend deliveries. The WFP is now planning new routes to avoid crowds.

• Healthcare Under Attack:

  • Hospital Strikes: The largest partially functional hospital in northern Gaza was reportedly hit four times by Israeli forces. The situation remains precarious as battles rage between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups in the nearby Jabalia area.
  • Besieged Hospitals: Al-Awda hospital in Jabalia has been under siege since Sunday, with dozens of staff, patients, and accompanying individuals trapped inside.

The UN’s decision highlights the urgent need for international attention and action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As the situation unfolds, aid organizations and the global community must work together to find solutions and ensure that essential supplies reach those in need.