World Central Kitchen Halts Food Distribution in Gaza Amid Israeli Blockade Since March 2, UNICEF Warns of Starvation

World Central Kitchen, a U.S.-based humanitarian aid organization, has halted its food distribution and soup kitchen operations across Gaza due to a complete depletion of supplies amid an ongoing Israeli blockade. The blockade, tightened since March 2, has severely restricted the entry of humanitarian aid, including food and fuel, leading to the closure of community kitchens and mobile bakeries. UNICEF has warned that children in Gaza face increasing risks of starvation, illness, and death, with a third of UN-supported community kitchens shutting down in the past ten days. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported further closures of community kitchens due to the lack of aid. Since the blockade began, at least 57 people, mostly children, have died from hunger. The crisis has resulted in the disappearance of half a million daily meals provided by free kitchens. Humanitarian organizations have cautioned that without the entry of aid, a large-scale catastrophe is imminent in Gaza, where millions are at risk of famine.