Gaza kitchens warn food will run out in days after two months of Israeli blockade

In the Gaza Strip, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding as community kitchens warn that they will soon run out of food due to a blockade that has lasted for two months. Anera, a US-based humanitarian organization, operates community kitchens in Khan Younis, where they provide meals for around 6,000 people each day. The cooks at these kitchens are preparing a traditional dish called koshari, which consists of lentils, rice, and a flavorful tomato sauce. This meal is crucial for families who are struggling to find food, as many have lost their sources of income and cannot afford to buy what little food is available in local markets. Sami Matar, the leader of the Anera team, explains, 'People rely on our meals; they have no source of income to buy what's left in the local markets and many foods are not available. ' He notes that in the past, they could cook rice with meat, but now, due to the blockade, there is no meat or fresh vegetables to be found. As the situation deteriorates, Matar warns that the remaining food kitchens may close within days, stating, 'The coming days will be critical. We expect we have two weeks' supply, maybe less. ' On March 2, Israel closed all crossings to Gaza, halting the entry of goods, including food, fuel, and medicine. This military action followed a two-month ceasefire with Hamas and was intended to pressure the group to release hostages. The United Nations' World Food Programme and Unrwa, the agency for Palestinian refugees, have reported that they have exhausted their food aid stocks. There is increasing international pressure on Israel to lift the blockade, with warnings that mass starvation could be imminent. Tom Fletcher, the UN's humanitarian chief, emphasized, 'Aid, and the civilian lives it saves, should never be a bargaining chip. Blocking aid starves civilians. It leaves them without basic medical support. It strips them of dignity and hope. ' Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are relying on community kitchens for their survival, and if the blockade continues, these kitchens will have nothing left to distribute. The Anera kitchen in Khan Younis has been a lifeline for many, but food supplies are dwindling. Matar explains that they used to receive over 100 trucks of food and hygiene kits each week, but now they have nothing. 'We struggle to provide food such as rice, lentils, pasta, cooking oil, and salt for our community kitchens. It's very expensive to buy 1kg of wood, and we need over 700kg a day for cooking,' he says. A displaced mother shared her concerns, stating that there is no cooking gas or food to prepare meals for her family. Israel has accused Hamas of stealing humanitarian aid, but the UN and other organizations deny these claims, asserting that they have strict monitoring systems in place. Matar insists that they work hard to ensure that aid reaches those in need, maintaining a database of recipients to avoid duplication and ensure transparency. Recently, there have been reports of looting at aid warehouses, highlighting the growing desperation among the population. In the community kitchen, workers prepare food parcels for distribution, each capable of serving up to four people. An elderly man expressed his relief upon receiving two parcels, saying, 'Thank God, this will be enough. ' Many families are struggling to survive, and the situation continues to worsen. A weary mother lamented, 'Life is humiliating here. We have men who are unable to work. There is no income, and all the products are so expensive. ' She expressed gratitude for the warm meal she received, as there is no cooking gas or food available. The conflict in Gaza has persisted for over a year and a half, following Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel that resulted in significant casualties. The UN has warned that the current situation is likely the worst it has ever been due to the blockade and military actions. Anera is doing its best to provide assistance, but they urgently need the crossings to be reopened to allow for the delivery of more food and supplies.