‘This ain’t assist, it’s demise’: Gaza food distribution plagued by violence and scarcity; UN calls situation ‘already apocalyptic’

A Palestinian carries a bag of food he collected at a distribution centre run by non-public contractor the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation within the southern Gaza Strip, as he arrives at his tent in Khan Younis (Image credit score: AP)

Palestinians in Gaza are risking their lives every day to get food as assist stays scarce and violence surges. Israeli troops have opened fireplace close to assist routes and looters wait exterior distribution factors to rob these carrying provides, residents say.“I don’t see how it can get any worse, because it is already apocalyptic. But somehow it does get worse,” mentioned Olga Cherevko, spokesperson for the UN humanitarian affairs workplace.Most food assist is distributed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which operates inside Israeli navy zones. The UN says the help will not be sufficient to forestall hunger. Palestinians describe scenes of chaos, with crowds crawling below gunfire and individuals being shot or struggling for fundamental objects like lentils and flour.“I have nothing to feed my children,” mentioned Jamil Atili, who returned empty-handed and injured from a food centre after he was unable to get something for his youngsters.“This isn’t aid. It’s humiliation. It’s death”, he added.Israel began allowing food into Gaza this month after cutting it off completely for 10 weeks. United Nations officials noted that it is not enough to prevent starvation. Most of the supplies go to GHF, which operates four food distribution points inside Israeli military zones. Some aid goes to the UN and humanitarian groups camps.Hundreds have been killed or wounded while trying to reach aid in recent weeks, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. On Tuesday alone, more than 50 people were reportedly killed. Witnesses say Israeli tanks, snipers and drones open fire to prevent crowds from moving past a certain point before the centres open.Palestinian witnesses described that food boxes were stacked on the ground inside aid centres, secured by fences. Thousands rush inside to grab what they can, as reported by the Associated Press.When supplies run out, desperate looters often target those leaving with food.Describing the chaos, Mohammed Saqer said stampede-like situations frequently occur as people scramble for aid. This leaves many injured with no one to help as everyone is focused on getting food.Many return with little or nothing. Omar al-Hobi said he returned empty-handed twice, managed to grab a pack of lentils once and on the fourth day, was determined to get flour for his three children and pregnant wife.“No one will show you mercy these days. Everybody fends for themselves,” he mentioned.