Gaza is the ‘Hungriest Place on Earth’, UN Warns Amid Aid Blockade

The United Nations has declared Gaza the “hungriest place on Earth,” with its entire population at risk of famine due to severe restrictions on aid imposed by Israeli authorities.

The UN’s humanitarian mission faces unprecedented obstacles, exacerbating the crisis for Palestinians struggling to survive.

Aid Operations Severely Hampered

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that out of 900 approved aid trucks entering via the Kerem Shalom crossing, fewer than 600 have been offloaded in Gaza, with even less distributed

“The aid operation that we have ready to roll is being put in an operational straitjacket that makes it one of the most obstructed aid operations, not only in the world today, but in recent history,” said OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke.

Congested routes and significant delays further hinder deliveries, leaving desperate crowds to swarm trucks in a “survival reaction.”

Palestinians Face Dire Shortages

In Gaza City, no aid has reached the northern Strip in recent days, according to Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud.

Residents in Khan Younis and Rafah also struggle to access basic necessities like flour.

“I have no flour, no oil, no sugar, no food. I collect mouldy bread and feed it to my children,” a Palestinian told Al Jazeera.

Another displaced resident, Abdel Qader Rabie, said, “Every time I go to get aid, I hold a box and hundreds of people crowd over me. Earlier, UNRWA used to send me a message, [and] I would go and get aid. Now there’s nothing. If you are strong, you get aid. If you are not, you leave empty-handed.”

Controversial Aid Scheme Falls Short

Israel, under international pressure, permitted limited aid through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US-backed private entity.

However, the UN and aid groups reject GHF’s model, citing its lack of neutrality and forced displacement of Palestinians.

“What they are saying about their will to feed the people of Gaza is all lies. They neither feed people nor give them anything to drink,” said displaced Palestinian Layla al-Masri.

UN special rapporteur Michael Fakhri called GHF a “bait to corral people,” violating international law.

Calls for Unimpeded Access

With over 80% of Gaza under militarized zones or displacement orders, the UN demands the reopening of all crossing points to deliver aid directly to families.

“The catastrophic situation in Gaza is the worst since the war began,” said UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, emphasizing the need for immediate, unimpeded humanitarian access.