WFP sounds alarm on food security amid conflict in Israel and Palestine

NEWYORK, Oct 9 (MENA) - The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) is deeply concerned by the rapidly deteriorating situation in Israel and the State of Palestine and the impact of this conflict on the affected populations, according to a statement issued by the website of the UN agency Monday.

As the conflict intensifies, civilians, including vulnerable children and families, face mounting challenges in accessing essential food supplies, with food distribution networks disrupted and food production severely hampered by hostilities.

WFP urges safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to affected areas, calling on all parties to uphold the principles of humanitarian law, taking every necessary measure to safeguard the lives and well-being of civilians, including ensuring access to food.

WFP is prepared to respond swiftly with pre-positioned food stocks for people who have been displaced or are in shelters, when the situation allows, as well as resuming its regular food and cash-based transfer assistance to vulnerable people.

While most shops in the affected areas in Palestine currently maintain one month of food stocks, these risk being depleted swiftly as people stock up in fear of a prolonged conflict. Frequent electricity cuts bring the threat of food spoilage.

WFP is closely monitoring the availability and prices of food items and other commodities among its network of 300 local shops and working closely with local bakeries to provide fresh bread and support the local economy.

WFP has been steadfast in providing crucial food assistance, serving approximately 350,000 Palestinians monthly, and extending aid to nearly one million Palestinians in collaboration with other humanitarian partners through its cash-based transfers platform.

These developments follow a devastating cut in assistance for 60 percent of WFP food aid recipients since June 2023, due to funding shortfalls, leaving only 150,000 people receiving reduced rations.