Large crowds of Palestinians eagerly waited in line to purchase bread from two recently reopened bakeries in Gaza City this week. This development, according to the Israeli military, indicates an improvement in the living conditions for civilians in the area that has been grappling with severe food shortages.
Despite the positive step, the ongoing Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza raise concerns about the sustainability of these bakeries. The availability of essential supplies to keep them operational remains uncertain.
The United Nations delivered the necessary fuel to power the bakeries last Sunday, with supplies expected to last until Friday, as confirmed by Abeer Etefa, a spokesperson for the U.N. World Food Program. However, the timeline for additional fuel delivery remains unclear.
Northern Gaza has been isolated from aid since the start of Israel’s military offensive in October, resulting in the closure of most bakeries due to the ongoing conflict.
While expert projections indicated a famine in the north, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refuted these claims, emphasizing Israel’s efforts in the humanitarian realm. Pressure from the Biden administration and other allies prompted Israel to demonstrate increased aid flow into northern Gaza, especially following the incident on April 1 that led to the death of seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen.
Recent online videos shared by the United Nations showcased ample supplies of flour in bakery storage rooms, with Palestinian children expressing gratitude for aid deliveries from their windows.
The successful reopening of the two bakeries was made possible through coordinated efforts between the United Nations, the Israeli military, and the delivery of fuel and flour in recent days. However, the World Food Program stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. “Sustained access is crucial to avert famine,” the organization emphasized.
While acknowledging the progress made with the bakery reopenings, Matt Miller, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, highlighted the need for further action to address the crisis.
Palestinians queuing outside a bakery on Sunday.Credit…Mahmoud Issa/ReutersPurchasing subsidized bread in Gaza City.Credit…Agence France-Presse — Getty ImagesA Palestinian worker arranging freshly baked flatbread.Credit…Agence France-Presse — Getty ImagesUnloading sacks of flour donated by the World Food Program.Credit…Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
“While we have observed improvements, there is still work to be done to reach the necessary level, and sustaining this progress over time is crucial for evaluation,” Miller stated during a press briefing on Tuesday.
Kamel Ajour, the owner of one of the bakeries, mentioned that the combined output of the two bakeries amounts to a million pieces of bread daily. Both operations are supported by fuel and flour provided by the U.N.
“Bread is a fundamental necessity in life, second only to water,” expressed Mr. Ajour, 51, in a phone interview. “The dire situation of starvation in northern Gaza is alarming. We must take…
2024-04-17 11:43:58
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