ICRC says it could take weeks for Gaza food situation to stabilize

The International Committee of the Red Cross says that despite Israeli efforts to step up aid to the hunger-ridden Gaza Strip, including humanitarian pauses in fighting, it could take weeks for enough aid to enter to stabilize the situation.

“A humanitarian pause is necessary but insufficient,” the ICRC says in response to a query from The Times of Israel. “It is extremely welcome for the population and the aid providers. But a pause is insufficient. What is needed is a sustained and sustainable agreement. The amount of food that needs to come in is so substantial that it will take weeks for the situation to stabilize.”

The ICRC s says that stocks of some basic foodstuffs that were brought in during the last ceasefire are also starting to run out.

“The entry of some specialized goods was a saving grace in that sense, because some products have a long shelf life and are still available, but the problem is that even that is now running out,” it says.

It also says that the Israel- and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s sites are difficult for people to access and dangerous.

“The food distribution areas are hard to access, and it’s difficult for most people to understand how to even get there, as some are located close to, or in, evacuation zones,” the ICRC says. “The Red Cross Field Hospital is close to one distribution center and not far from another, and we’ve received large numbers of gunshot victims who tell us they’re coming from those sites.”