The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau appealed for an increase in international support to boost humanitarian assistance for millions of people in Gaza as they seek to rebuild their lives.
WFP has sent in more than 15,000 tonnes of food since the ceasefire began on 19 January, reaching more than 525,000 people with food parcels, hot meals, and cash. Meeting with families, Skau noted a sense of relief as families can reunite and eat together – often amidst the rubble of their homes. With flour and fuel, WFP is operating 22 bakeries across Gaza and is providing cash so that families can decide for themselves how to meet their most basic needs – beyond food.
“This is a strong step in the right direction but it is not enough,” said Skau. “The scale of the needs is enormous and progress must be maintained. The ceasefire must hold. We cannot go back. And in critical sectors beyond food – water, sanitation, shelter, even getting children back into school – we need to work together. WFP, with its logistics expertise, is ready to support all efforts.”
While it is too early to focus on recovery, Skau noted that WFP and the entire humanitarian community must assist Gazans to become self-sufficient and boost their long-term resilience against hunger. This may be through helping them re-establish commercial markets and local food systems – from farming and food processing to fishing.
“The people of Gaza are unique in their strength, resilience, and capacity to rebuild. Our assistance should increasingly be geared towards supporting them in their first steps towards rebuilding their lives. But this requires funding,” added Skau. “We call on the international community and all donors to continue supporting WFP’s life-saving assistance at this pivotal moment.”
During his two-day visit to Gaza, Skau went to Jabalia, Gaza City, and Khan Younis where he met families impacted by the conflict, visited WFP operations, and met heads of UN agencies. Skau’s previous visit to Northern Gaza was in June 2024.
