Over Half Million Face Starvation in Gaza Amid Limited Aid Deliveries

The World Food Programme (WFP) and United Nations officials have warned that despite a recent increase in food aid deliveries to Gaza, the amount remains far too insufficient to prevent widespread starvation amid a declared famine. WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain reported that about 100 aid trucks enter Gaza daily, a significant drop from the 600 trucks allowed during the ceasefire, leaving nearly a quarter of Gaza's population facing famine conditions. UN Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya highlighted that over half a million people are at risk of starvation due to restricted humanitarian aid, degraded healthcare, and poor living conditions, urging for the lifting of all restrictions and an immediate end to violence. Indonesia has contributed by conducting a major humanitarian air drop of food and medical supplies to Gaza, despite Israel denying famine claims and attributing food shortages to Hamas and NGOs. Aid agencies emphasize that current humanitarian efforts are only a ‘‘drop in the ocean’’ compared to the scale of assistance needed to address the crisis impacting over 2 million people. Calls continue for ceasefire and improved aid access to alleviate the severe humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.