Aid Route Closure Worsens Gaza Shortages Amid Escalating Conflict

Impact of Zikim Crossing Closure

• ⚠️ Israel's closure of the Zikim Crossing on September 12th has halted UN food deliveries to northern Gaza.
• 📉 The World Food Program (WFP) has been unable to bring any supplies through this crossing, which previously handled half of their food deliveries.
• 📉 Daily meals served by aid in northern Gaza dropped significantly to 59,000 by September 22nd, down from 155,000 in late August.

Logistical Challenges and Displacement

• 🚚 Bringing goods from the south to the north is challenging due to the Elrashid Road being congested with people fleeing the military operation.
• 🏠 Hundreds of thousands have been displaced by Israel's offensive, with many residents reporting worsening conditions and scarcity of basic necessities.
• 💧 Some residents are resorting to using sea water for cooking, cleaning, and showering due to the lack of fresh water.

Conflicting Reports on Aid Distribution

• 📢 Kogat, the Israeli military body overseeing aid, states that humanitarian aid to the north continues and they are trying to expand capacity at another crossing.
• 🚫 However, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that Israel denied 40% of requested movements to northern Gaza in the 10 days following the Zikim closure.
• 🌍 A global hunger monitor previously confirmed famine in Gaza City, a finding disputed by Israel.