Food Aid in Northern Gaza Plummets After Corridor Closure

The closure of the Zikim Crossing on September 12, 2023, has drastically reduced the flow of food and essential supplies into northern Gaza, according to residents and reports from the United Nations. This critical route, which previously facilitated half of the food deliveries into the region, was shut ahead of an Israeli ground offensive targeting Gaza City. As a result, community kitchens and health clinics have been forced to close, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis.

Since the closure, the UN World Food Programme has reported that it has been unable to deliver any supplies through Zikim. The number of daily meals provided as aid in northern Gaza has sharply declined, dropping from 155,000 meals on August 30 to just 59,000 meals by September 22. This decline has been attributed to the shutdown of some kitchens that previously offered free meals, as highlighted by Amjad Al-Shawa, head of the Palestinian NGOs Network.

Residents describe worsening conditions as the ongoing conflict continues to displace hundreds of thousands. Many have chosen to remain in their homes despite Israeli evacuation orders, fearing for their safety and the potential scarcity of food if they relocate. “The situation is becoming more difficult,” said Um Zaki, a mother of five who remains in Sabra, Gaza City. She emphasized the rising food prices and the departure of local food vendors to areas deemed safer in the south.

Ismail Zayda, a father of three who recently fled Gaza City for a camp near the coast, explained his struggle to provide for his family. “There are no vegetables at all,” he lamented, relying on canned goods to survive. The Gaza City municipality is also grappling with a severe water crisis, with current supplies meeting less than 25% of daily needs. Fuel shortages and security risks have further hampered water deliveries.

Israel maintains that it places no quantitative restrictions on food aid entering Gaza, alleging that Hamas has been diverting supplies meant for civilians. These claims have been firmly denied by the Palestinian militant group. As the situation escalates, Israel carried out strikes on houses and tents in central and southern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 17 Palestinians, including 10 children and three women, according to local health officials.

As international pressure mounts for a ceasefire, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen, leaving many families struggling to access basic necessities.