Samir Zaqut, deputy director of the Palestinian NGO Al Mezan, expresses his concern over the situation in Gaza where many people rely on canned food for their survival. The ongoing war has led to a significant loss of livestock and cultivated land, making fresh produce scarce and unaffordable. As a result, many residents have resorted to eating canned food on a daily basis, with some going days without proper meals.
In an effort to address the food crisis, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has introduced barley fodder into Gaza to feed the surviving livestock. This initiative aims to ultimately provide fresh and nutritious food such as milk and meat to the population.
Despite challenges in obtaining permits and ensuring uninterrupted distribution, the FAO’s efforts have already benefitted thousands of families in Gaza. The organization is working with local NGOs to reach more areas and increase the supply of fodder in the coming months. The ultimate goal is to prevent famine and combat malnutrition in the region.
The FAO’s intervention is crucial as the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with a significant portion of the population facing extreme food insecurity. The lack of access to essential nutrients and the high cost of fresh produce have pushed many residents to desperate measures, including consuming animal feed and wild herbs to stave off hunger.
As the crisis deepens, the FAO emphasizes the importance of a ceasefire to ensure sustained humanitarian efforts and prevent further suffering. The organization’s commitment to providing basic food supplies reflects the urgency of the situation in Gaza and the need for immediate action to alleviate the hunger and malnutrition facing its residents.