LOC16:28
13:28 GMT
GENEVA, Nov 21 (KUNA) -- The World Food Program (WFP) warned Friday that Gaza is witnessing a severe winter, with families already enduring rain, cold, and widespread destruction that has left hundreds of thousands in urgent need of food.
Speaking online from Cairo during a press briefing in Geneva, WFP's Senior Spokeswoman for the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe Abeer Etefa said heavy rains have worsened conditions for families in tents and damaged homes, spoiling food and flooding living areas with sewage, increasing the risk of disease.
Etefa said that since the October 10 ceasefire, WFP has delivered over 40,000 tons of food to Gaza, about two-thirds of its monthly target as of November 19.
She reported that 54 distribution points are now operational across Gaza, including 17 in the north, reaching around 530,000 people, about 30 percent of WFP's monthly target of 1.6 million.
She added that 18 WFP-supported bakeries, including nine in northern Gaza, are operating, and hot meal kitchens are producing over 200,000 meals daily, aiming to reach 400,000 as many families lack kitchens or cooking fuel.
Regarding cash support, Etefa said the program has provided digital transfers to around 125,000 people, highlighting its importance in helping families buy fresh food and basic necessities from local markets.
Joining the briefing from Gaza, WFP's Senior Spokesperson Martin Penner said markets are slowly recovering, but prices remain largely unaffordable.
Penner described how families are adopting difficult coping strategies, from reducing meals to avoiding markets so children won't see food they can't afford.
He noted that the digital payments program is so crucial, allowing the most vulnerable families to buy some fresh food from local shops.
Both UN officials stressed that maintaining the ceasefire and ensuring unrestricted humanitarian access are critical for WFP to scale up its operations and meet the rapidly growing needs across Gaza. (end)
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