In a dire situation exacerbated by ongoing conflict and a siege imposed by Israel, the entire population of Gaza is experiencing catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity, warns the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). The monitor recently reported that the risk of famine is increasing daily, with Palestinians in the region struggling to access even the most basic food supplies.

According to the IPC, Gaza's population currently suffers from the highest proportion of acute food insecurity ever recorded. The severity of the situation prompted the United Nations Security Council to back a resolution calling for a significant boost in humanitarian assistance for Gaza. However, obstacles posed by the ongoing offensive conducted by Israel hampers the effective distribution of aid, as highlighted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

The World Food Programme (WFP) also faces challenges in reaching the most vulnerable populations due to intensified fighting. As a result, food scarcity and inflated prices have become prevalent in the region, making it increasingly difficult for people to find adequate sustenance. In northern Gaza, the situation is particularly dire, with 90% of residents going without food for an entire day and night.

Social media platforms have become outlets for frustrated Gazans to vent their concerns about the lack of supplies and soaring prices. Videos shared online show meagre portions of aid distributed, such as a can of beans and a small packet of biscuits being considered a day's meal. Families report sporadic aid deliveries, ranging from two cans of beans to biscuits, while other days pass without any assistance.

Gaza's limited food supplies can be attributed to the siege imposed by Israel since the October attacks initiated by Hamas. The blockade restricts the entry of humanitarian aid through Egypt's border crossing. Even when aid does reach some individuals, quantities are insufficient, leaving many reliant on finding alternative sources of food. Some Gazans have expressed frustration at discovering donated items marked as "not for sale" being sold in local markets.

Dina Safi, a displaced resident from al-Nuseirat, central Gaza, highlighted the dire circumstances. Despite having financial means, she states that food is scarce and prices have tripled, leaving her family struggling to find enough to eat. She even encountered a can of tuna labeled as a World Food Programme gift, intended for distribution, being sold in the market.

Gazans who have been displaced to evacuation shelters have found limited respite through aid distributions. However, many displaced individuals, like Safi's family, are living elsewhere and face significant challenges. Those living on the streets have reported unequal and unfair distribution of aid, with some individuals taking more than their share and reselling it. They accuse Hamas-affiliated organizations of prioritizing their own distribution networks, instead of meeting the needs of all.

With the deteriorating situation, the World Food Programme acknowledges that it is unable to meet the overwhelming demand. While they have reached 760,000 people with food assistance such as fortified biscuits and parcels, it is only a fraction of what is required. Fuel shortages, communication disruptions, and safety risks further hinder their efforts to deliver aid effectively.

The WFP is determined to tackle the issue of unauthorized selling of humanitarian food assistance and ensure that it reaches those most in need. However, the crisis in Gaza remains dire, with the population facing an uncertain future as the search for sufficient food continues amidst ongoing conflict and limited access to humanitarian aid.