WFP Palestine Emergency Response External Situation Report #23

08 June 2024

Highlights

• WFP has increased deliveries to the north of Gaza, resulting in a modestly improved situation in the North. However, since the Rafah incursion, deliveries to the south and central areas have plummeted, because of the limited flow of humanitarian assistance and escalation in conflict. We fail to meet growing needs.

• Despite Karam Abu Salem /Kerem Shalom crossing point being open, WFP continues to face significant impediments to move food safely into and within Gaza due to damaged infrastructure, insecurity, and access restrictions.

• Despite these obstacles, WFP has been able to reach an estimated 1 million people across Gaza in May but was forced to reduce rations due to access constraints and restrained stock availability. WFP is obliged to do more with less to ensure that 1.1 million targeted people are assisted each month with rations that cover their food needs for at least 10 days.

• Until a ceasefire is implemented, WFP urgently calls for regular humanitarian access, fully open borders, multi-sectoral and strategically balanced responses and efforts to restore law and order to ensure an effective humanitarian response.

Situation Update

• Despite improvements seen in May in Northern Gaza due to increased access, there are no fresh vegetables in the markets, and if available, their quality is very poor. Overall food prices are exorbitant. In Deir al Balah and Khan Younis, although food availability has increased, it remains too expensive for the average person to afford.

• Challenges persist in terms of access to clean water, healthcare, sewage, and rubble blocking movements.

• WFP can do little for the people still in Rafah. Our main warehouse in Rafah, currently in a warzone, has been emptied. Most partners and other humanitarian agencies have been displaced.