Aid Blockade Leaves Gaza's Kitchens Empty

World Central Kitchen has halted operations in Gaza due to depleted supplies and Israel blocking aid entry. Despite distributing 130 million meals and 26 million loaves in 18 months, the charity has no supplies left. Support continues with water distribution, while Israel faces pressure to lift the blockade.

World Central Kitchen, a U.S.-based charity, announced it has suspended its food aid operations in the Gaza Strip due to a shortage of supplies and restrictions imposed by Israel. The organization has provided over 130 million meals and 26 million loaves of bread in the past 18 months but now finds itself unable to continue without access to additional resources.

While the charity plans to offer some assistance by distributing potable water, it stressed that comprehensive food distribution can't resume until Israel permits aid deliveries into the region. Trucks filled with essential food items and cooking fuel await entry at the Gaza border, with further supplies ready for dispatch from Jordan and Egypt, according to the charity, which was established by renowned chef Jose Andres.

The Israeli government is under mounting international scrutiny to ease its aid embargo, which commenced in March following the collapse of a ceasefire. Israel argues that aid agencies, including the U.N., have inadvertently allowed resources to be confiscated by Hamas militants. Meanwhile, tensions rise with reports of lootings and ensuing crackdowns by Hamas security forces in Gaza, where a severe food crisis affects most of its 2.3 million residents.

(With inputs from agencies.)