World Food Programme warns: An imminent disaster in Gaza unless a ceasefire is declared

SANAA, June 01 (YPA) – World Food Program Director Cindy McCain warned of an “imminent humanitarian catastrophe” in the Gaza Strip if an immediate ceasefire is not reached and humanitarian aid is not allowed to reach the stricken population.

In an interview with the American network ABC, McCain confirmed that the program is facing serious difficulties in reaching those in need, saying: “We need the Israelis to allow us into Gaza to do our work. The situation is getting out of control, and if aid is not opened, we will witness a large-scale disaster.”

The UN official indicated that the World Food Program’s reports are consistent with the local narrative regarding the recent massacre near an aid distribution center in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, which resulted in the deaths of at least 31 Palestinians, most of whom were civilians who had gathered in search of food.

McCain called on the international community to redouble pressure on the concerned parties to stop the fighting and ensure safe humanitarian access, stressing that the population in Gaza is living on the brink of famine, and we cannot carry out our humanitarian mission unless we obtain real security guarantees and complete freedom of movement.”

This warning comes at a time when international warnings are increasing of a complete collapse of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing Israeli aggression, the tightening of the noose on the crossings, and the escalation of Israeli attacks on civilians and relief facilities.