WFP chief sounds alarm over humanitarian crisis in Gaza, says lifesaving food aid at standstill

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - The head of the World Food Programme (WFP) on Saturday sounded the alarm over a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza due to the disruption of essential communications.

"With communications cut in Gaza, our lifesaving food assistance is at a standstill. We cannot reach staff and partners, or the people who rely on us," Cindy McCain said on X.

"We urgently need the ability to operate and sustained access for humanitarian assistance. Every minute counts," she added.

Gaza is reeling from relentless Israeli airstrikes since the surprise offensive by Hamas on Oct. 7.

The Palestinian group had initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood – a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air.

At least 7,703 Palestinians, including 3,595 children, have been killed in the Israeli attacks, while 1,400 people were killed in the Hamas attack on Israel.

Gaza's 2.3 million residents are also grappling with shortages of food, water, and medicine due to Israel’s blockade of the enclave. Only a few aid trucks have crossed into Gaza since the opening of the Rafah crossing point last weekend.

The UN General Assembly late Friday approved a resolution calling for a humanitarian truce, but Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen called it “despicable” and rejected it. The non-binding resolution received 120 votes in favor, 14 against, and 45 abstentions from UN members.