Three Palestinians, including two children and a woman, lost their lives in a devastating incident outside a bakery in central Gaza on Friday. The victims were crushed to death while waiting in line, underscoring the dire food crisis gripping the enclave.
According to Palestinian hospital officials at Al Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, the tragic event unfolded as bakery lines have become scenes of desperation and overcrowding. Families are struggling to secure food amidst mounting hunger in the Strip, exacerbated by Israel's intense military operation in the north.
One grieving father, Osama Abu Al-Laban, recounted how he entrusted his 17-year-old daughter with money to buy bread for the family. Tragically, she was caught in the chaos and perished while waiting in the women's queue.
The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that all bakeries in central Gaza have been forced to close due to severe supply shortages. Bread, a staple for many families in Gaza, is now increasingly out of reach, further deepening the humanitarian crisis.
Residents like Karam Afali shared their harrowing experiences, with some waiting for hours in line only to return home empty-handed. The situation has become dire, with reports of armed looting and escalating attacks hindering aid delivery efforts.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has issued warnings about the deteriorating situation in Gaza, emphasizing the challenges in providing essential assistance to those in need.
As the international community grapples with the unfolding tragedy in Gaza, urgent action is needed to address the deepening food crisis and ensure the safety and well-being of the Palestinian population.
