Food Aid Plummets in Northern Gaza as Corridor Shuts

The closure of the Zikim Crossing has drastically reduced the flow of food and essential supplies into northern Gaza, according to residents and reports from the United Nations. This vital corridor, which was shut on September 12, 2023, has not only affected daily meal distributions but has also led to the closure of community kitchens and health clinics in a region already grappling with famine conditions.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) confirmed that it has been unable to deliver any supplies through the Zikim Crossing since its closure. This route previously accounted for half of the WFP’s food deliveries into Gaza. As of September 22, the number of daily meals provided as aid in northern Gaza fell to just 59,000, a significant decline from 155,000 meals served on August 30. Amjad Al-Shawa, head of the Palestinian NGOs Network, pointed to the closure of some kitchens as a primary reason for this reduced capacity.

Residents express deepening concerns about the deteriorating situation. Many have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict, while others remain in their homes despite Israeli evacuation orders, fearing for their safety and the potential scarcity of food. “The situation is becoming more difficult,” said Um Zaki, a mother of five who has chosen to stay in Sabra, Gaza City. She noted that rising food prices have compounded the challenges, stating, “People who sell things like food… have left to the south.”

Ismail Zayda, a father of three who recently fled Gaza City with his family, described his struggle to provide for his children. “There are no vegetables at all,” he lamented, relying on canned food to make ends meet. Meanwhile, the Gaza City municipality reports a worsening water crisis, with supplies meeting less than 25 percent of daily needs. Fuel shortages and security risks have hindered water deliveries, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

In response to the situation, Israel has stated that there is no quantitative limit on food aid entering Gaza and has accused Hamas of stealing aid—a claim that Hamas has denied. The ongoing conflict continues to escalate, with Israeli airstrikes reported to have struck houses and tents in central and southern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 17 Palestinians, including 10 children and 3 women, according to local health officials.

As international pressure for a ceasefire grows, the humanitarian implications of these developments remain dire, with communities in northern Gaza facing increasing challenges in accessing basic necessities.