Gaza Strip (TDI): Amid a deepening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, the American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera) continues to provide hot meals to thousands of displaced Palestinians through its community kitchens in the south.
However, as food and fuel supplies near depletion, Anera warns that its operations may halt within days.
Currently, Anera’s kitchens serve around 6,000 people daily in Khan Younis, delivering meals like koshari—a dish made from lentils, rice, and tomato sauce—by donkey cart to camps such as al-Mawasi.
“People rely on our meals; they have no source of income to buy what’s left in markets, and many basic foods are no longer available,” said Sami Matar, Anera’s operations lead in Gaza.
The warning comes nearly two months after Israel shut down all crossings into Gaza, ceasing the entry of food, fuel, and medical aid. The closure followed the collapse of a ceasefire with Hamas.
The United Nations’ World Food Programme and UNRWA have since exhausted their food stocks, prompting increasing concern from international humanitarian bodies.
Anera reports that food items like rice, lentils, pasta, cooking oil, and salt are scarce and costly. Cooking is further challenged by a lack of gas, requiring kitchens to rely on wood—over 700kg needed daily. Anera’s main warehouse now stands empty, a stark contrast to earlier weeks when over 100 aid trucks would arrive weekly.
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Despite accusations that aid has been diverted by Hamas, Matar emphasized Anera’s transparent distribution system. “We maintain a database with verified recipient information to avoid duplication and ensure accountability,” he said.
Local residents describe a worsening situation, with no income, rising prices, and little access to basic needs. Many depend entirely on community kitchens for survival.
The UN has reiterated that denying access to aid may constitute a violation of international law. Aid agencies continue to urge the reopening of crossings to allow for humanitarian relief.
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“If our supplies run out, it will be devastating,” Matar stated. “We’re doing all we can, but without immediate access to aid, we may have no choice but to stop.”
Anera continues to appeal to all relevant authorities to urgently allow the entry of life-saving supplies into Gaza.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
