**
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate, with recent reports showing a slight increase in food aid—yet nowhere near enough to prevent widespread starvation. Despite international efforts, logistical delays, military restrictions, and collapsed infrastructure are leaving over 2 million Palestinians in dire need.
Increased Aid Falls Short of Gaza’s Needs
The UN confirms more trucks are entering Gaza via Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings compared to earlier this year. However, the World Food Programme (WFP) estimates the region requires 500–600 daily food trucks to avert famine. Currently, even peak shipments barely reach 200 trucks per day, forcing families to survive on one meal or less.
3 Barriers Preventing Enough Food from Reaching Gaza
- Military Checkpoints & Delays: Israeli inspections, aimed at preventing weapon smuggling, often stall aid for days. Aid groups argue the process is costing lives.
- Destroyed Roads & Unsafe Routes: Northern Gaza’s decimated infrastructure makes transport nearly impossible, leaving aid stranded.
- Distribution Breakdowns: Desperation triggers violent crowds, looting, and fatal stampedes at aid drop points.
Children Dying from Malnutrition
Gaza’s Health Ministry reports at least 27 children dead from starvation—with true numbers likely higher due to collapsed medical systems. UNICEF workers describe emaciated children “too weak to cry” and families eating animal feed to survive.
“We grind livestock corn just to have something to eat,” says Um Mohammed, a mother of five displaced in northern Gaza.
Global Response: Air Drops & Sea Corridors Aren’t Enough
The U.S. and EU are using air drops and maritime routes to bypass land restrictions, while a U.S.-built temporary pier is planned. Yet experts warn these measures are band-aid solutions; only unrestricted ground aid can meet Gaza’s scale of need.
Urgent Action Needed to Stop Famine
The crisis is entirely preventable. Without a ceasefire and free aid access, starvation will keep claiming lives. As one aid worker put it: “More food is reaching Gaza—but for thousands, it’s already too late.”
— NextMinuteNews
**
