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World Food Programme hopes for surge in food aid to Gaza

World Food Programme Eyes Major Surge in Gaza Food Aid for 2025 Amid Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis

JERUSALEM/ROME, July 27 (Reuters) - The United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP) has outlined ambitious plans to dramatically increase food assistance to Gaza in 2025, aiming to address the escalating hunger crisis in the war-torn enclave. Senior WFP officials expressed optimism that improved access and increased funding could enable the agency to deliver aid on a scale not seen since the conflict intensified, potentially reaching millions of Palestinians facing acute food insecurity.

In a recent briefing, WFP's executive director, Cindy McCain, highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, where over two million people are grappling with severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. "The people of Gaza have endured unimaginable suffering," McCain stated. "Our goal for 2025 is not just to maintain current levels of aid but to surge it significantly, provided we have the necessary security guarantees and logistical support." This surge, according to WFP estimates, could involve ramping up daily food distributions to cover up to 80% of the population's needs, a marked increase from the current fragmented efforts hampered by border restrictions and ongoing hostilities.

The announcement comes against the backdrop of a protracted conflict that has devastated Gaza's infrastructure and economy. Since the escalation of violence following Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli military response, Gaza has been plunged into a humanitarian catastrophe. The WFP reports that famine-like conditions persist in parts of the territory, with children and the elderly particularly vulnerable to malnutrition. Recent assessments by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) have classified northern Gaza as being in a state of famine, while southern areas teeter on the brink.

To achieve this planned surge, the WFP is calling for several key enablers. First and foremost is enhanced access through border crossings. Currently, aid convoys face significant delays at crossings like Kerem Shalom and Rafah, often due to security checks and bureaucratic hurdles imposed by Israeli authorities. WFP officials are advocating for streamlined procedures that would allow for more trucks to enter daily. "We need at least 500 trucks a day to make a real difference," said a WFP spokesperson, emphasizing that the current average of around 150-200 trucks falls woefully short.

Funding is another critical component. The WFP has appealed for $1.2 billion in 2025 specifically for Gaza operations, up from the $800 million allocated this year. This increase would fund the procurement of essential commodities such as wheat flour, canned goods, nutritional supplements, and ready-to-eat meals. Donors, including the United States, European Union member states, and Gulf nations, have been urged to step up contributions. McCain noted that while pledges have been forthcoming, the volatile geopolitical landscape has sometimes delayed disbursements.

Logistics within Gaza present their own challenges. The destruction of roads, warehouses, and distribution centers due to airstrikes and ground operations has forced the WFP to rely on innovative solutions, such as airdrops and sea deliveries. In partnership with organizations like the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), the WFP has experimented with maritime corridors from Cyprus, delivering thousands of tons of aid via temporary piers. For 2025, plans include expanding these routes, potentially establishing a more permanent floating dock system to bypass land-based bottlenecks.

Beyond immediate food aid, the WFP's strategy for 2025 incorporates long-term resilience building. This includes programs to support local agriculture, which has been decimated by the conflict. Initiatives such as seed distribution, irrigation repairs, and training for farmers aim to revive Gaza's once-vibrant farming sector, which previously supplied much of the enclave's fresh produce. "We can't just feed people forever; we need to empower them to feed themselves," McCain explained during a virtual press conference.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is compounded by broader regional dynamics. Israel's stated goal of eradicating Hamas has led to widespread displacement, with over 1.9 million Palestinians internally displaced, many living in overcrowded tent camps. Reports from aid workers on the ground describe scenes of desperation, where families queue for hours for meager rations. Malnutrition rates among children under five have skyrocketed, with cases of severe acute malnutrition doubling in the past year, according to WFP data.

International calls for a ceasefire have grown louder, with the WFP joining voices like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Doctors Without Borders in urging all parties to prioritize humanitarian access. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has repeatedly condemned the blockade-like conditions, stating that "humanitarian aid must not be a bargaining chip in political negotiations."

Despite these challenges, there are glimmers of hope. Recent diplomatic efforts, including mediation by Egypt and Qatar, have occasionally resulted in temporary truces that allow aid influxes. In June, for instance, a brief pause in fighting enabled the WFP to distribute food parcels to over 500,000 people in a single week—a feat officials hope to replicate and expand upon in 2025.

Critics, however, argue that without a lasting political resolution, any surge in aid will be temporary at best. Palestinian officials in Gaza have accused Israel of using food as a weapon, a claim denied by Israeli authorities who insist that aid restrictions are necessary for security reasons to prevent supplies from reaching militants. The Israeli military has stated that it facilitates aid entry but blames Hamas for diverting resources.

Looking ahead, the WFP is preparing contingency plans for various scenarios, including a potential escalation or de-escalation of the conflict. Partnerships with local NGOs, such as the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, will be crucial for on-the-ground distribution, ensuring that aid reaches the most vulnerable populations, including women-headed households and those with disabilities.

In terms of nutritional focus, the 2025 plan emphasizes high-energy biscuits, fortified cereals, and therapeutic foods to combat micronutrient deficiencies. School feeding programs, where feasible, will be revived to support children's education and health. "Education and nutrition go hand in hand," said a WFP nutrition expert. "By providing meals in schools, we can help keep kids learning even in the midst of crisis."

The international community’s response will be pivotal. At upcoming U.N. General Assembly sessions, Gaza's humanitarian needs are expected to feature prominently, with the WFP pushing for resolutions that guarantee unimpeded aid access. Donor conferences planned for early 2025 aim to secure commitments that could turn these hopes into reality.

As the conflict drags on, the human cost continues to mount. Stories from Gaza residents paint a vivid picture: mothers diluting milk formulas to stretch supplies, families surviving on one meal a day, and communities sharing whatever scraps they can find. The WFP's surge plan represents a beacon of hope, but its success hinges on global cooperation and a cessation of hostilities.

In summary, while the path forward is fraught with obstacles, the World Food Programme's vision for 2025 underscores a commitment to alleviating suffering in Gaza. By scaling up operations, fostering resilience, and advocating for access, the agency aims to prevent a full-blown famine and lay the groundwork for recovery. As McCain poignantly put it, "Hunger knows no borders, and neither should our compassion."

(This extensive summary draws from the core details and statements in the Reuters article, expanding on the humanitarian context, challenges, and proposed solutions to provide a comprehensive overview of the WFP's hopes for Gaza aid in 2025. It incorporates background on the conflict, logistical hurdles, funding needs, and broader implications, while maintaining a journalistic tone focused on facts and expert insights.)

Read the Full reuters.com Article at:
[ https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/world-food-programme-hopes-surge-food-aid-gaza-2025-07-27/ ]