The World Food Programme (WFP) has officially depleted its final food reserves in the Gaza Strip, cutting off a critical source of nutrition for hundreds of thousands. Amid Israel’s nearly eight-week blockade, WFP confirmed that its last supplies were distributed to 47 charity kitchens, which may run dry within days.
According to the UN, about 80% of Gaza’s population — over 2 million people — now relies almost entirely on these aid kitchens, as regular food channels have collapsed under the ongoing siege.
WFP spokesperson Abeer Etefa said their kitchens had been serving around 644,000 meals daily. Their closure leaves the future of food distribution uncertain, as these centres were the primary source of sustenance in the region.
Israel halted all humanitarian access on March 2 and resumed bombings two weeks later, ending a temporary ceasefire with Hamas. The stated goal: to secure the release of remaining hostages. However, rights organisations have condemned the blockade as a “starvation tactic” and warned it may amount to a war crime.
Gaza’s markets have nearly emptied, with essentials like meat, eggs, dairy, and vegetables disappearing. What little remains is too expensive for many, forcing families to survive on canned food. Malnutrition, especially among children, is surging — with over 3,700 children reported in critical condition as of March.
World Central Kitchen, operating separately from the UN, is keeping one bakery functional and producing 87,000 loaves daily — often the only bread available.
WFP says it has 116,000 tonnes of food ready for shipment, but access to Gaza remains blocked.
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