The UN World Food Programme (WFP) continues to deliver convoys of food aid into Gaza almost daily, but severe operating challenges prevent assistance from reaching the scale required to curb worsening starvation. Lawlessness and the breakdown of public order inside the territory have made it increasingly difficult to ensure that life-saving supplies reach the most vulnerable.
According to the latest food security assessment, Gaza is experiencing its highest levels of starvation and malnutrition since the conflict began nearly two years ago. The conditions meet two out of the three criteria for famine in parts of the Strip, with over 300,000 children at severe risk and more than half a million people on the brink of famine. Over a third of the population goes days without eating, while the remainder faces emergency-level hunger.
Since the announcement of “humanitarian pauses” in late July, WFP has dispatched more than 10,400 metric tons of food aid via over 800 trucks. Despite a slight increase in deliveries, this is still far below the monthly requirement of over 62,000 metric tons needed to meet basic needs. Almost all WFP trucks have been intercepted by civilians before reaching warehouses, preventing organized distributions, closing bakeries, and halting supplies to community kitchens.
Israeli authorities have provided written assurances to improve operating conditions, including faster clearances, additional routes, and the absence of military forces near convoys. However, delays, last-minute route changes, and ongoing insecurity persist. Since late July, 266 WFP trucks have been turned back at border crossings, and only two entry points remain open for use. The limited number of approved drivers also hinders delivery capacity.
The collapse of Gaza’s social fabric after 22 months of conflict has left the most vulnerable unable to access food. Crowds often intercept convoys, and the risk to humanitarian staff remains high. WFP emphasizes the urgent need for faster approvals, safe passage, reopening of bakeries and kitchens, and regular commercial food imports to restore access to fresh produce and other essentials. Above all, the agency stresses that only a ceasefire will allow it to safely and predictably deliver aid at the scale needed to reach all 2.1 million people in Gaza.
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