UN Warns of Famine Risk as Gaza Aid Efforts Face Major Obstacles

The United Nations has reported severe challenges in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, despite Israel lifting an 11-week blockade in mid-May. According to UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, only 4,600 metric tonnes of wheat flour have entered Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing—the sole entry point approved by Israel. Much of this aid has failed to reach its destination, either seized by starving civilians or looted by armed groups.

Aid agencies estimate that 8,000 to 10,000 tonnes of flour are needed to provide at least one bag of flour per family and ease pressure on food markets. Based on World Food Programme guidelines, the flour delivered so far would only cover about eight days’ worth of bread for Gaza's 2 million residents.

The UN is calling on Israel to allow more aid through multiple routes, warning that Gaza is on the brink of famine. Rates of acute malnutrition among children have nearly tripled in recent weeks. Humanitarian deliveries have mostly included flour and limited medical supplies, falling far short of the territory’s urgent needs.

Tensions have risen over the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.-backed initiative that uses private security and logistics firms. While the GHF claims to have delivered over 11 million meals since beginning operations on May 26, the UN has rejected working with it, citing concerns over neutrality and the militarization of aid.

Meanwhile, Israel has insisted that UN aid be offloaded on the Palestinian side of the border, where access for humanitarian workers is often denied. Accusations continue between Israel, the U.S., and Hamas over aid theft, as Gaza’s humanitarian crisis worsens.