In the Gaza Strip, families like the Eids are facing extreme hunger and dire living conditions as a result of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Yasmin Eid and her family, displaced multiple times, now reside in central Gaza, where access to aid is relatively better than in the heavily destroyed north. However, hunger is pervasive throughout the region, with experts warning of a potential famine in the north.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister for allegedly using starvation as a method of warfare, a charge vehemently denied by Israel. In Deir al-Balah, where the Eids live in a tent camp, food scarcity is a daily struggle. Local bakeries have shut down, and the price of basic items like bread and cooking oil has skyrocketed.
The United Nations has reported a significant increase in severe hunger among households in central and southern Gaza, exacerbated by the recent looting of aid trucks in the south. Aid groups are facing numerous challenges in delivering essential supplies, including Israeli restrictions, ongoing fighting, and damaged infrastructure.
For families like the Eids, going to bed hungry has become a routine. The rising prices of food items have made even basic necessities unaffordable. Charities and organizations providing food assistance are overwhelmed, with limited resources to meet the growing demand.
Israel has denied imposing limits on aid entering Gaza but acknowledges a decrease in aid shipments since the conflict escalated. The U.S. has issued warnings to Israel regarding aid distribution, threatening to reduce military support if improvements are not made. However, no concrete actions have been taken following the expiration of the ultimatum.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, Palestinians in Gaza are struggling to survive amidst the ongoing violence and uncertainty. Calls for increased aid distribution and efforts to alleviate the suffering of the population remain urgent as the conflict shows no signs of abating.
For more updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict, visit AP's war coverage.
