In a glimmer of hope for Gaza's 2.1 million residents, the United Nations has successfully delivered its first major humanitarian shipment in nearly three months – 90 truckloads of nutrition supplies – as famine warnings reach critical levels. The nighttime operation saw 500 pallets of ready-to-use therapeutic food and nutritional supplements arrive at a UNICEF warehouse in Deir al-Balah, now being repackaged for distribution across dozens of points.
While the World Food Programme reports some bakeries in southern and central Gaza have resumed bread production through community kitchens, UN officials stress this represents only a fraction of what's needed. 'These supplies are lifesaving but insufficient,' stated OCHA, noting basic necessities like fresh produce, hygiene items, and hospital fuel remain blocked after 80 days of near-total restrictions.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification committee warns nearly 500,000 Gazans now face catastrophic hunger. UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric emphasized: 'Commercial food supplies must restart immediately. No humanitarian operation can replace market systems.'
As aid workers race against time, calls grow louder for sustained access to all Gaza regions. The success of future deliveries hinges on coordination with authorities to ensure safe passage for convoys – particularly to the isolated north where needs are most acute.
