The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has been compelled to halt aid deliveries to northern Gaza due to the difficult conditions impeding proper humanitarian operations. The agency has been alarmed by the increasing reports of famine in the region, particularly acute in the northern areas. According to Tamara Alrifai, director of external relations for UNRWA, the desperate actions of hungry and exhausted individuals have hindered the safe passage of aid trucks, making it challenging to conduct necessary humanitarian operations.

The Israeli authorities have not granted permits for aid delivery to the northern Gaza region for over a month, exacerbating the dire situation. The supply of aid permitted into Gaza has significantly dwindled since last year, with only a few dozen trucks granted access at times. This has raised concerns of famine gripping the region, especially in the north, where an estimated 1.5 million people are in urgent need of assistance.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has also faced challenges in providing aid to northern Gaza due to chaos and violence resulting from the collapse of civil order. Recent attempts to resume aid deliveries were met with violence and looting, with WFP convoys being fired upon and drivers being attacked.

The situation is dire, with reports of hunger-related casualties emerging. Matthew Hollingworth, head of the WFP in Gaza, expressed concerns that the current levels of aid are insufficient to prevent a famine. As funding crises loom and obstacles to aid delivery persist, humanitarian organizations are struggling to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Amidst the escalating challenges faced by humanitarian agencies, the urgency to address the growing famine risks in Gaza is more pressing than ever.