UN food agency says its food stocks in Gaza have run out under Israel's blockade
The
World Food Program
says its food stocks in the Gaza Strip have run out under Israel's nearly 8-week-old blockade, ending a main source of sustenance for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in the territory.
#Pahalgam Terrorist Attack
India pulled the plug on IWT when Pakistanis are fighting over water
What makes this India-Pakistan standoff more dangerous than past ones
The problem of Pakistan couldn't have come at a worse time for D-St
The WFP said in a statement that it delivered the last of its stocks to charity kitchens that it supports around Gaza. It said those kitchens are expected to run out of food in the coming days.
Some 80% of Gaza's population of more than 2 million relies primarily on charity kitchens for food, because other sources have shut down under Israel's blockade, according to the U.N. The WFP has been supporting 47 kitchens that distribute 644,000 hot meals a day, WFP spokesperson Abeer Etefa told The Associated Press.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Here's What A Walk-In Shower Should Cost You In Garland
West Shore Home
Learn More
Undo
It was not immediately clear how many kitchens would still be operating in Gaza if those shut down. But Etefa said the WFP-backed kitchens are the major ones in Gaza.
Israel cut off entry of all food, fuel, medicine and other supplies to Gaza on March 2 and then resumed its bombardment and ground offensives two weeks later, shattering a two-month ceasefire with Hamas. It says the moves aim to pressure
Hamas
to release hostages it still holds. Rights groups have called the blockade a "starvation tactic" and a potential war crime.
Live Events
COGAT, the Israeli military agency in charge of coordinating aid in Gaza, declined to comment on the amount of supplies remaining in the territory. It has previously said Gaza had enough aid after a surge in distribution during the ceasefire. Israel accuses Hamas of diverting aid for its purposes. Humanitarian workers deny there is significant diversion, saying the U.N. strictly monitors distribution. They say the aid flow during the ceasefire was barely enough to cover the immense needs from throughout the war when only a trickle of supplies got in.
With no new goods entering Gaza, many foods have disappeared from markets, including meat, eggs, fruits, dairy products and many vegetables. Prices for what remains have risen dramatically, becoming unaffordable for much of the population. Most families rely heavily on canned goods.
Malnutrition is already surging. The U.N. said it identified 3,700 children suffering from acute malnutrition in March, up 80% from the month before. At the same time, because of diminishing supplies, aid groups were only able to provide nutritional supplements to some 22,000 children in March, down 70% from February. The supplements are a crucial tool for averting malnutrition.
Almost all bakeries shut down weeks ago and the WFP stopped distribution of food basics to families for lack of supplies. With stocks of most ingredients depleted, charity kitchens generally can only serve meals of pasta or rice with little added.
World Central Kitchen - a U.S. charity that is one of the biggest in Gaza that doesn't rely on the WFP - said Thursday that its kitchens had run out of proteins. Instead, they make stews from canned vegetables. Because fuel is scarce, it dismantles wooden shipping pallets to burn in its stoves, it said. It also runs the only bakery still functioning in Gaza, producing 87,000 loaves of pita a day.
The WFP said 116,000 tons of food is ready to be brought into Gaza if Israel opens the borders, enough to feed 1 million people for four months.
Israel has leveled much of Gaza with its air and ground campaign, vowing to destroy Hamas after its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. It has killed over 51,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, whose count does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
In the Oct. 7 attack, militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251. They still hold 59 hostages after most were released in ceasefire deals.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Gandhi Maidan to get makeover with more greenery and cleanliness: Divisional commissioner
Patna: Divisional commissioner Chandrashekhar Singh on Monday chaired a crucial meeting with officials of several departments, including DM Thiyagarajan SM and Traffic SP Aprajit Lohan, to discuss a comprehensive beautification and infrastructure development plan for the Gandhi Maidan. The Gandhi Maidan, which often faced criticism for poor maintenance, was acknowledged in the meeting with divisional commissioner instructing a three-member committee under additional district magistrate (law & order) to conduct regular inspection and consultations with stakeholders. Representatives from the forest, building construction, and municipal departments were also present. The meeting also decided to bring some immediate changes, including rationalizing commercial activities inside the Maidan to reduce damage to its surface. Over 10-15 coaching centres and fitness trainers currently use the ground for physical training, which has led to grass depletion and dug-up patches. "Officials have been instructed to find alternate training zones nearby without affecting the student interests," said Singh. He further said that in a bid to restore its green cover, the forest department would plant saplings of ornamental and medicinal trees between the boundary wall and the walkway, with a five-year maintenance plan. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "Patna district mineral foundation will provide funds for pollution control that will be used to install sprinklers to control dust, which has become a major concern for regular visitors," Singh said. Singh said that public amenities were also being upgraded. Existing green toilets would be maintained regularly by the municipal corporation, while two more RO drinking water units would be added apart from the two existing ones near Gates 1 and 5. "Desilting and regular cleaning of drains are to take place with the building construction department being instructed to repair and cover the drains where necessary," he added. Officials also discussed maintenance of open gyms, children's parks, and platforms for karate and yoga, directing concerned departments to ensure cleanliness and functionality. Footpaths around the Maidan will be repaired and fitted with iron grills for both safety and aesthetics. Security will be tightened with regular patrolling, and guards will be deployed at all entry gates in three shifts. Smart City monitoring systems, which already track 128 CCTV cameras around the Maidan and its vicinity, will be strengthened, with additional installations as needed. Singh said, "Patna Traffic Police will also enhance regulation around the Maidan to ensure smooth vehicular movement and pedestrian safety. " In a stern move, the commissioner ordered the immediate removal of the food court currently set up inside the ground near Gate 4. "A designated space has already been allocated for such activity," he said. Lighting infrastructure around the Maidan, including high-mast poles, decorative lights, and streetlights, will be repaired and maintained to ensure proper visibility and safety after dark.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Four crashes in a month: DGCA cracks down on unsafe Char Dham chopper operations; may curtail operations there
NEW DELHI: Chopper operations for the ongoing Char Dham yatra in Uttarakhand may be curtailed following a spate of crashes in recent weeks. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday said it has 'ordered special audits and enhanced surveillance for helicopter operators involved in shuttle services and charter operations in Uttarakhand. ' The last one month alone has seen four crashes and the regulator has decided to get cracking on erring operators. 'As a precautionary measure, DGCA is reviewing the necessity of curtailing helicopter operations to Char Dham if required,' the regulator said in a statement Monday. Oversight on Char Dham helicopter operations have been enhanced by 'actively monitoring live camera feeds provided by Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) at Kedarnath. Any deviation from standard operating procedures (SOP) by helicopter operators is detected in real time, allowing for immediate corrective measures,' the DGCA said in a statement. On Monday, two helicopter operators conducting shuttle and charter services to Kedarnath from their respective helipads were found to have failed to adhere to SOPs, particularly regarding proper helicopter parking procedures. 'As a result, swift action was taken, and their operations were suspended for two hours. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Electric SUVs Come with Tiny Price Tags (Take a Look) CommonSearches | Search Ads Undo DGCA has zero tolerance policy for safety violations and in its latest enforcement action the operations Kestrel Aviation Pvt Ltd in Uttarakhand has been suspended with immediate effect pending investigation. This is further to suspension of operations of another operator for safety violations in the month of May, 2025,' the statement added. A Kestrel Aviation flying from Badasu to Kedarnath had last week made an emergency landing on a highway in Rudraprayag district after developing a technical issue during take off. A part of the chopper had crashed into an empty stationary car below. Luckily all six people on board the private chopper were safe. The regulator noted that 'recently multiple occurrences involving helicopter operations during Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand have underscored the necessity for further strengthening the safety oversight of these operations. Safety investigation has been initiated for each of these occurrences to identify contributing factors, including mechanical failures, operational errors, and weather-related challenges. ' 'Directives have been issued to all helicopter operators, restricting operations to OGE conditions till further order.,' a DGAC statement said. OGE is 'out of ground effect' where a helicopter hovers above a certain height where the ground doesn't significantly influence the downwash from the rotor. This means helicopters need more power to maintain their altitude because there's less ground-assisted lift.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Abu Dhabi makes 4 hours of weekly Arabic lessons mandatory for nursery and KG students
Abu Dhabi to mandate 4 hours of Arabic weekly for KG students to boost early fluency and cultural identity Abu Dhabi's Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has announced a landmark policy requiring all private and educational partnership schools to dedicate four hours (240 minutes) per week to Arabic language instruction for children in early childhood education, starting from the 2025–2026 academic year. The mandate applies to all early years levels, from nursery (pre-KG) to KG2 (second year), and will increase to five hours weekly (300 minutes) starting in 2026–2027, ADEK confirmed. Language as identity: The intent behind the policy While the directive enforces instructional time, ADEK emphasises that the goal goes far beyond curriculum metrics. 'This is about more than just adding Arabic lessons,' said Mariam Al Hallami, Executive Director of Early Education at ADEK. 'It's about giving every child in Abu Dhabi the gift of language, identity, and connection starting from day one. We want Arabic to feel natural, interactive and alive in every classroom and every home,' she added. The policy's timing is deliberate: backed by research showing that early childhood is the most effective period for language acquisition, the strategy aims to root Arabic as a living, thriving language in children's daily lives, both at school and at home. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Undo ADEK highlighted that although Arabic is commonly spoken at home in Abu Dhabi, many children still lack the confidence to use it fluently. The initiative is designed to close that gap by ensuring consistent, quality instruction through immersive methods and active family engagement. Dual track learning: Native and non-native speakers To meet diverse classroom needs, the program will follow two dedicated learning tracks: One for native Arabic speakers to deepen their fluency and mastery Another for non-native speakers and newcomers to develop strong foundational language skills The instruction will be delivered through interactive, age-appropriate techniques, including: Play-based learning Storytelling Music and songs Hands-on exploration To ensure quality, schools will employ specially trained teachers and use modern learning resources. Schools are also encouraged to build strong school-home connections, sharing tools and activities to keep children engaged with Arabic even outside the classroom. Bridging policy gaps in early education The initiative aligns with ADEK's broader goals to harmonise Arabic instruction between nurseries, currently regulated under its Early Education Institutions (EEI) policies, and Cycle 1 education, which is governed by the Ministry of Education. By standardising Arabic exposure across all early education providers, Abu Dhabi is aiming to build language skills, foster cultural belonging, and ensure that children are well-prepared as they transition to formal schooling. A nationwide push to prioritise Arabic Abu Dhabi's new policy is part of a wider national effort to revitalise Arabic language learning from birth to school age, with similar actions now being taken in other emirates: In Dubai, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) rolled out a policy in February 2025 requiring Arabic instruction for all children from birth to age six in private schools and early childhood centres. In Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi , Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, decreed in November 2024 that Arabic become the medium of instruction in all government nurseries. He also stressed early education's role in supporting children's development, nutrition, and wellbeing. This bold move by Abu Dhabi reflects a strategic cultural investment: reinforcing Arabic not just as a language subject, but as a core identity marker for the next generation, native and non-native speakers alike.
