WFP Seeks Aid Surge, Safe Access for Gaza Amid Famine

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director Cindy McCain has emphasized the urgent need for increased humanitarian aid and safe access to Gaza, where famine has been officially declared affecting over 500,000 people. Following her visit to Gaza, McCain reported witnessing severe malnutrition among children and the desperate conditions faced by displaced families amid nearly two years of conflict. She met with key leaders including Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa to discuss expediting aid delivery, protecting civilians from hunger, and ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches the most vulnerable populations directly. Netanyahu and McCain agreed to intensify efforts to increase the flow of humanitarian goods and maintain aid distribution exclusively for civilians, amid concerns of Hamas misappropriating aid. Discussions with Israeli officials also highlighted the need for additional crossings into Gaza, security for humanitarian workers, and operational support to sustain aid delivery. Both McCain and Palestinian officials called for a ceasefire to enable a significant scale-up in relief efforts and laid groundwork for post-conflict recovery and reconstruction plans.