WFP runs out of food stocks in Gaza as aid block persists

The World Food Programme (WFP) said on Friday it had run out of food stocks in Gaza due to the sustained closure of crossings into the enclave, while Gaza authorities said Israeli airstrikes had killed at least 78 people in the past 24 hours.

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“The WFP has depleted all its food stocks for families in Gaza,” a WFP statement said, adding the UN agency on Friday delivered its last remaining food stocks to hot meals kitchens in Gaza.

“These kitchens are expected to fully run out of food in the coming days,” it added.

The agency said no humanitarian or commercial supplies had entered Gaza for more than seven weeks as all main border crossing points remained closed, resulting in the longest closure the Gaza Strip had ever faced.

Israel has previously denied that Gaza is facing a hunger crisis.

The military accuses Hamas, who have run Gaza of exploiting aid - which Hamas denies - and says it must keep all supplies out to prevent the fighters from getting it.

Since March 2, Israel completely cut off all supplies to the 2.3 million residents of the Gaza Strip, and food stockpiled during a ceasefire at the start of the year has all but run out.

WFP warned that if the aid blockage was not lifted it might be forced to end its critical assistance.