UN agency laments 'donor fatigue' amid prolonged Gaza crisis

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is sounding the alarm over "donor fatigue," a phenomenon leading to a critical reduction in aid for the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Ross Smith, the WFP's emergencies director, stated that the agency urgently requires an additional $420 million to sustain its operations in Gaza and the West Bank through the end of the year.

Smith explained that a decrease in media attention and public focus on the conflict has directly impacted funding. "There is a sense that the ceasefire is in place and that things are going well, but that is not the case," he noted, highlighting that the effects of ceasefire phases are not being realized. Simultaneously, the costs of WFP operations are escalating due to rising fuel prices and supply chain disruptions.

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There is a sense that the ceasefire is in place and that things are going well, but that is not the case, certainly the effects of some of the planned ceasefire phases are not being realized.

Humanitarian access to Gaza remains severely restricted, with the Kerem Shalom crossing being the sole operational entry point. Smith lamented the persistent difficulties in ensuring timely supply deliveries through this passage. Furthermore, limitations imposed by Israeli authorities on the entry of "dual-use" items, those with both civilian and military applications, further impede the flow of essential goods. This restriction affects the availability of spare parts and fuel needed for critical infrastructure like bakeries and limits the operational capacity of the WFP's vehicle fleet to just 50%.

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We continue to have many problems at that crossing to ensure the timely entry of supplies.

A recent joint report by the WFP, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and UNICEF indicated some improvements in food security and nutrition indicators in Gaza. However, these gains are insufficient to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. An estimated 1.4 million people, representing 67% of Gaza's population, currently experience crisis levels of acute food insecurity or worse, a slight decrease from 1.6 million (77%) late last year.

An additional 212,000 individuals remain in emergency situations, many residing in areas close to the Israeli-controlled line, where access to humanitarian aid and services is particularly challenging. The WFP's appeal underscores the precarious situation and the urgent need for sustained international support to address the deep-seated humanitarian needs in the region.

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This reduces the arrival of parts, fuel and other elements necessary, for example, for the operation of bakeries in Gaza, or the trucks that operate in that territory.