The WFP's warehouses will only last to keep Gaza's soup kitchens and bakeries open for a maximum of two weeks, warns the UN agency according to AP.
Israel allowed aid deliveries to Gaza during the first six weeks of the ceasefire. During that time, WFP tried to get as much food as possible to the population, many of whom suffer from malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies after over 15 months of war.
The renewed Israeli aid stop this weekend means that the warehouses are now rapidly dwindling. Even the UN's disaster relief agency, Ocha, is sounding the alarm about an impending catastrophe.
If the blockade remains in place, at least 80 food establishments will soon be left with empty warehouses, warns the agency according to BBC.
Prices skyrocket
Israel stopped the import of food, fuel, medicine, and other necessities over the weekend, which was described as an attempt to pressure Hamas, labeled as a terrorist organization, to accept an alternative ceasefire agreement. "Cheap blackmail," responded Hamas.
The blockade caused prices in Gaza to skyrocket as desperate people tried to buy up the little that was available. According to BBC Arabic, prices for flour and vegetables more than doubled in several parts of Gaza after the announcement.
We can barely afford a kilo of tomatoes to still our hunger, says a man named Issam in Khan Yunis to the media company.
Doctors Without Borders criticizes Israel.
"Once again, Israel is blocking an entire population from receiving aid and using it as a bargaining chip," says the organization's spokesperson Caroline Seguin.
Fuel may run out
South Africa, which is pursuing a case against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, accuses the country of using starvation as a weapon.
"Preventing food from entering Gaza constitutes a continuation of Israel's use of starvation as a weapon of war," says the foreign ministry in Pretoria in a statement, according to AFP.
"Gaza's population is suffering boundless suffering and urgently needs food, shelter, and medical supplies."
According to the UN's food program (WFP), fuel stocks will also soon run out.
