Situation in Gaza – Geneva press briefing – Press release

Gaza

Ms. Berthiaume of WFP said that due to the ongoing crisis and insecurity in the Middle East, WFP was increasing the number of people it was helping in Gaza from 160,000 to 220,000, representing 50% of the non-refugee population. Gaza was totally dependant on external aid. At the moment, only 30% of the population had any income. In describing the situation, Ms. Berthiaume noted as examples that the lack of electricity made it impossible to stock supplies for the winter; water quality had deteriorated; and fisherman had not been able to go out to see since 28 July so there was no fish available at the markets. WFP had shipped 4,000 tons of aid to Gaza in the preceding month and the equivalent of one month’s supply of food was now available for 220,000. WFP warned that the situation could deteriorate rapidly.