Gaza Aid Falls Short: Unrestricted Access Now Critical

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Action Against Hunger has issued an urgent warning that the humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip is dramatically insufficient to meet the growing needs of more than two million people facing severe food insecurity and escalating humanitarian distress.

Natalia Anguera, Head of Operations for the Middle East, described the current level of aid as alarmingly inadequate. “While we welcome even the smallest signs of progress, the reality is that the humanitarian aid reaching Gaza until now is practically nothing,” she said. “We have warehouses in Jordan filled with food supplies—enough to feed thousands of families for a month—but we can’t get them across the border due to stringent restrictions.”

At present, food aid entering Gaza is limited to baby formula, bakery distributions, and hot meals from community kitchens. However, the sustainability of these efforts is quickly collapsing. “The situation is changing every day. Our local suppliers can no longer source ingredients, and their stockpiles have been depleted. What we managed to do just a week ago—like running community kitchens—is no longer possible,” Anguera explained. “At best, these kitchens can function for another two or three days, but everything depends on the availability of food.”

When asked what word best described the current conditions in Gaza, Anguera answered with one: “Survival.”

She went on to highlight three pressing challenges: A massive, consistent inflow of aid through all possible entry points, Dignified and efficient distribution to affected civilians, and Guarantees of safety for both the civilian population and humanitarian workers.

“People are exhausted, hungry, and terrified. More than two million Gazans are in desperate need of support, but we are being forced to work with tied hands,” she added.

Despite the challenges, Action Against Hunger stands by the UN-coordinated aid model, calling it both effective and transparent. “In the past year alone, we’ve reached over one million people in Gaza with food, water, and nutrition services. Our 20+ years of experience show that this model works when allowed to function.”

The organisation is also reiterating its unwavering commitment to humanitarian principles: neutrality, independence, and non-discrimination. It calls on the international community to urgently uphold these values and ensure free and safe access to people in need.

In a powerful final message, Anguera said, “Every day we lose to red tape and border restrictions brings Gaza one step closer to famine. We cannot allow trucks filled with lifesaving aid to remain idle while children go to sleep hungry and afraid. The international community must act now—the time for words has passed.”