By Sama Marwan,
The United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) issued a dire warning on Sunday, May 18, 2025, about the escalating risk of famine in Gaza due to the comprehensive blockade imposed by Israel on the strip. The WFP urgently called on the international community to act swiftly and ensure the immediate entry of humanitarian aid before time runs out.
In a post on the X platform, the WFP stated that Israel has maintained a siege on the devastated Palestinian territories since March 1, preventing all supplies and aid, including food, medicine, fuel, and shelter. The program described this ongoing blockade as “genocide” against the residents of the Gaza Strip.
The WFP further noted that despite overwhelming evidence, the Israeli government claims there is no “food shortage” within Gaza and accuses Hamas of seizing aid supplies.
The program implored the international community to act quickly to facilitate the resumption of aid flow, stressing the need to avoid waiting until famine is officially declared in the Gaza Strip. The WFP warned that by then, “it will be too late for many.”
It is worth noting that amidst the Israeli blockade on Gaza, several key food providers within the strip, such as the World Food Programme and the World Central Kitchen, have announced that their food supplies have been exhausted, leading to the closure of their operations.
