Hunger and chaos: dramatic food crisis in Gaza escalated!

Hunger and chaos: dramatic food crisis in Gaza escalated!

Deir el-Balah, Gaza, Palästinensergebiete - jehad al-Assay, a resident of Deir El-Balah in Gaza, left his tent today to look for food for his family. After a tedious walk of 10 kilometers, he reached an output point in Rafah, which is operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). However, this organization is faced with considerable criticism, since its leader has resigned due to lack of compliance with humanitarian principles. There were reports on chaos -like conditions in the food distribution, which already led to at least three deaths among the Palestinians who asked for help.

The distribution of food decided to be chaotic. Jehad described the scenery as overwhelming, with thousands of people who hastily fought for AID. A structured system was missing, so that those present needed utensils such as sugar and food oil indiscriminately. Jehad managed to get some cans of tuna, sugar, pasta and cookies. His worries were mainly the hunger of his daughters. Meanwhile, Awad Abu Khalil, another person seeking help, expressed his displeasure by describing the Situation as "apocalyptic".

alarming humanitarian situation

International criticism of the GHF is growing, especially because of Israel's blockade, significantly limits humanitarian aid to Gaza. Israel has stopped the import of relief goods since the beginning of March and has intensified military measures. Over 54,000 Palestinians have already died. Current reports from the Gaza’s Government Media Office point out that at least 10 people have been killed by Israeli forces in the last 48 hours.

The situation is not only critical because of the struggle for food, but also with regard to the basic care of vital goods. A survey by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) Under 250 households showed that almost 60% of the respondents have no access to fresh bread or food. In addition, more than 60% report difficulties when accessing clean drinking water. The food supplies, especially canned goods, are almost exhausted. Mohammed Mansour, Senior Nutrition Manager of IRC, found that hunger has become everyday life for most people in Gaza.

future challenges

On May 5, 2025, the Israeli government announced that the UN-LOUTED system for distributing humanitarian aid with an Israeli-controlled model. Planned measures stipulate that aid goods are only spent on Palestinian recipients approved by Israel. These plans arouse concern because endangered groups, such as people with disabilities, could be excluded from access to vital help.

The IRC calls for the immediate restoration of an ceasefire, the end of the blockade of humanitarian aid and free access to Gaza for humanitarian organizations. It is feared that the new distribution plans could make the support of over 24,000 children and 180,000 people impossible. The situation remains tense, while the local people desperately look for solutions for their basic needs.