Introduction
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a devastating peak. On May 28, 2025, thousands of desperate Palestinians stormed a United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza. The chaos resulted in the deaths of at least four people, bringing global attention to the worsening food insecurity and lack of humanitarian access in the besieged territory.
Details of the Incident
The WFP reported that “hordes of hungry people” broke into the al-Ghafari warehouse in search of flour and food supplies. At least two people were crushed in the rush and two more died from gunshot wounds. The exact circumstances behind the gunfire are still under investigation. The WFP stressed the critical need to scale up food distribution to prevent further tragedies.
Background: A Region on the Brink of Famine
Since Israel intensified its blockade in March 2025, Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have faced widespread shortages of food, medicine, and clean water. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the entire population is at risk of famine. Aid groups like Doctors Without Borders have warned of a public health catastrophe, especially among children suffering from malnutrition.
Challenges in Aid Delivery
Efforts to bring in humanitarian relief have been inadequate. A controversial initiative by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aimed to distribute food in Rafah. However, the first two days were marred by violence when Israeli forces reportedly opened fire on people waiting in line, killing at least one person and injuring several others.
Jonathan Whittall, a senior UN aid official, criticized the GHF’s “surveillance-based rationing” model, stating that it “legitimizes deprivation by design.” The UN and other international NGOs have declined participation, calling the plan logistically flawed and ethically problematic.
International Reaction and UN Warning
UN special coordinator Sigrid Kaag described the humanitarian efforts as “comparable to a lifeboat after the ship has sunk.” Despite some easing of restrictions under international pressure, the Gaza blockade continues to severely limit the entry of food, fuel, and medical aid.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, stated that aid would continue “for the immediate future” but insisted the UN must cooperate with the GHF. This has sparked tension among humanitarian agencies concerned about impartiality and operational control.
Conclusion
The tragedy at the WFP warehouse in Gaza highlights the desperate conditions on the ground. Without a substantial and immediate increase in humanitarian access and international cooperation, Gaza faces an imminent famine that could claim thousands of lives. The international community must act now to provide neutral, efficient, and large-scale assistance.
For related coverage, read more about WFP’s operations in conflict zones and our continuing updates on the Gaza crisis.
Watch the report on YouTube: Two Dead in Gaza Aid Warehouse Rush
