UN Raises Alarm Over Food Shortages in North Gaza as Israel Closes Crossing

GENEVA, Sept 18 (VoM): The United Nations has warned of rapidly deteriorating conditions in northern Gaza after Israel shut the last functioning aid crossing, leaving hundreds of thousands of civilians at risk of starvation.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement Wednesday that food and fuel supplies could run out within days, following the closure of the Zikim Crossing on September 12. Since then, no humanitarian convoys have been able to enter the area.

“There are grave concerns over fuel and food stock depletion in a matter of days, as there are now no direct aid entry points into northern Gaza,” OCHA said, warning that resupply from the south is becoming “increasingly challenging due to mounting road congestion and insecurity.”

Israel launched its long-anticipated ground assault on Gaza City on Tuesday, urging residents to evacuate via newly designated routes to the south. However, many civilians remain in the city, citing fears of violence along evacuation routes, lack of resources in southern Gaza, and concerns over permanent displacement.

Israel, which controls all access to Gaza, insists it allows sufficient humanitarian aid into the enclave but has accused Hamas of seizing supplies. Hamas denies the allegations.

A global food security monitor declared last month that Gaza City and its surrounding areas are in famine, with the crisis expected to spread further unless immediate aid reaches affected communities.

As of Wednesday, Israel’s military said humanitarian aid would be permitted into northern Gaza, but no details were provided on timing or distribution.