In the Gaza Strip, the United Nations food agency has announced the closure of all its bakeries due to critically low supplies resulting from Israel’s blockade of imports lasting nearly a month. Officials disclose that despite Israel’s assurances that sufficient food entered Gaza during the six-week truce, sustaining the region’s approximately 2 million residents, the situation remains dire.
Stephane Dujarric, a U.N. spokesperson, labels Israel’s claims as “ridiculous” amidst a severe food shortage. He confirmed that the U.N. agency’s resources are nearly depleted, leading to bakery closures due to a scarcity of essential supplies like flour and cooking oil. Markets have been drained for weeks, as U.N. agencies report the depletion of stockpiles accumulated during the truce. The conflict has severely compromised Gaza’s ability to produce food, increasing dependence on international aid.
Mohammed al-Kurd, a father residing in Gaza, shared the heart-wrenching ordeal of his children going to bed on empty stomachs, telling them white lies about better prospects the next day to keep hope alive. Concurrently, the Israeli military has further escalated tensions, advising residents in Gaza’s southernmost city, Rafah, to evacuate as a potential ground operation seems imminent, affecting at least 140,000 people.
A circulating memo within the World Food Program (WFP) signaled the halting of bakery operations across the region, which many rely on for sustenance. The organization highlights a prioritization strategy for its remaining supplies to deliver emergency aid and increase hot meal distributions. Despite multiple requests for commentary, WFP representatives were unavailable for immediate response. Olga Cherevko, from the U.N. humanitarian coordination office, confirmed the closure of 19 remaining bakeries, indicating severe reliance by hundreds of thousands on these facilities.
The Israeli Coordinating Office for Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) reported that over 25,000 trucks have entered Gaza during the ceasefire, bringing nearly 450,000 tons of aid, constituting about one-third of war-time deliveries. Despite this, challenges for distributing aid persist, with U.N. and aid group estimates often falling short of Israeli reported figures.
Meanwhile, ongoing Israeli assaults have led to substantial casualties, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting 42 deaths and over 180 injuries in just 24 hours. The overall death toll has surpassed 1,042 Palestinians in two weeks following the ceasefire breach and renewed bombings. The conflict initiated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led forces attacked southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities, most of whom were civilians, along with 251 hostages taken by Hamas.
The continuous offensive has reportedly claimed more than 50,000 Palestinian lives according to the Gaza Health Ministry; however, whether these are civilians or combatants remains undisclosed. Israeli claims estimate around 20,000 militants have perished, yet no evidence is provided. The blockade of Gaza, initially absolute, saw slight relief under U.S. intervention, with Washington backing Israel’s military endeavors.
Certainty around future peace talks has diminished as Israel demands release of hostages and Hamas’ disarmament, contrary to prior ceasefire terms. Hamas proposed a deal to release hostages in exchange for imprisoned Palestinians, a lasting armistice, and Israeli withdrawal, pinning hopes on implementing the initial agreement.
Tragedy struck with the death of journalist Mohamed Salah Bardawil, associated with Hamas-aligned Aqsa Radio, alongside his family due to an Israeli strike on his residence in southern Gaza. The devastation unfolded as a building crumbled in Khan Younis, leaving personal belongings strewn amidst the ruins. Notably, the journalist was related to a senior Hamas political figure previously killed in Israeli action. Since the onset of conflict, over 170 journalists and media representatives have tragically lost their lives, as assessed by the Committee to Protect Journalists.