Introduction
Gaza is in the grip of a devastating food crisis. After more than two months of a complete Israeli blockade, community kitchens that serve as the last hope for thousands are now warning that food is almost gone. The ongoing blockade and military operations have left Gaza’s 2.1 million residents struggling for survival, with many facing hunger and displacement. This blog uncovers the most critical facts about the situation and the humanitarian consequences.
1. Community Kitchens Are Gaza’s Last Lifeline
Organizations like Anera are operating a few remaining community kitchens in Gaza. In Khan Younis, one such kitchen serves 6,000 meals a day. These meals, like koshari—a simple dish of rice, lentils, and tomato—are often the only source of sustenance for displaced families.
2. Food Stocks Are Nearly Depleted
Anera manager Sami Matar reports that the food stored during the brief ceasefire at the beginning of the year is almost gone. With only two weeks’ supply left, the kitchens may soon shut down. Over 100 supply trucks per week once delivered essentials; now, not a single truck gets through.
3. UN Agencies Have Run Out of Aid
The World Food Programme (WFP) and UNRWA have both confirmed that their food aid supplies are exhausted. This comes amid renewed Israeli military operations and a humanitarian blockade that began over two months ago, intended to pressure Hamas to release hostages.
4. Starvation as a Weapon?
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher has strongly condemned the blockade, stating that “blocking aid starves civilians” and warning that such tactics may constitute a war crime. He called on Israel to end the restrictions immediately, citing international law obligations.
5. Prices Soar, Resources Vanish
Locals describe soaring prices and vanishing essentials. Wood for cooking costs more than families can afford, with no gas or fresh produce available. A displaced mother shared that she now collects leaves just to make a cup of tea.
6. Israel Rejects Criticism
Israel claims it has facilitated aid during ceasefires, citing 25,000 lorries delivering over 450,000 tonnes of goods. However, supplies are currently piling up at Gaza’s border, unable to cross. Meanwhile, accusations that Hamas steals aid are rejected by UN agencies, which cite strict tracking systems.
7. International Pressure Mounts
Leaders from the UK, France, and Germany have condemned the blockade as “intolerable.” Even US President Donald Trump reportedly told Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu that “we’ve got to be good to Gaza.” Yet, Israel has not officially changed its stance.
There is growing international pressure on Israel to lift its blockade, with warnings that intentionally starving civilians is a potential war crime. The UN says that Israel has a clear obligation under international law as an occupying power to allow and facilitate aid for Gazans.
Last Friday, US President Donald Trump said he had told Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu that “we’ve got to be good to Gaza” and pushed him to allow more food and medicine into the strip.
There was no official response to that, but earlier in the week, the Israeli foreign ministry rejected criticism from the UK, France and Germany, which described the blockade as “intolerable” in a joint statement and insisting “this must end.”
“I don’t know what will happen if our supplies end,” says Mr Matar, weighed down by the responsibility of his work.
“The feeling of having to stop this vital help to people would be so stressful and depressing to me and my staff.”
“We have an urgent appeal,” he continues. “Look at us, see our desperation, understand that time is running out. Please we just need to open the crossings again.”
Conclusion
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is reaching a breaking point. Community kitchens are running out of food, and aid agencies are out of resources. International pressure continues to mount, but action is urgently needed. As children in Gaza suffer from acute malnutrition, and families scavenge for firewood, the world watches with growing alarm. Immediate intervention is essential—not just for food, but for dignity, hope, and human survival.
Related Read: UN Gaza Crisis Update
