WFP steps up emergency food assistance In Gaza

The World Food Programme (WFP) said Friday in a press release that it has stepped up the provision of emergency food assistance to Gaza as the humanitarian situation is rapidly deteriorating.
“WFP is extremely concerned about the breakdown of the ceasefire,” said WFP Executive Director Ertharin Cousin.
She added: “WFP and humanitarian counterparts on the ground continue to remain operational and it is crucial that we have unhindered access to the people who need our help and that civilians are protected.”
Working closely with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), WFP has been providing emergency food rations to those sheltering in UNRWA schools and elsewhere.
According to the statement, WFP has to date reached more than 255,000 conflict-affected people in Gaza with emergency food assistance. This has included an increase of more than 50,000 people in two days.
The statement added that WFP, UNRWA and partners are constantly identifying new needs and are working to reach additional people. The emergency response includes the provision of emergency ready-to-eat food for 229,270 displaced people who have taken refuge in UNRWA schools used as shelters and to 10,647 people in public shelters.
It also has included providing electronic food vouchers to 2,283 displaced families – approximately 13,700 people – who are living with host families. With the vouchers, families can buy nutritious foods in nearby shops and with the launch of a joint emergency programme by WFP and UNICEF, voucher recipients can also purchase water and sanitary items.  
The statement added that a total of 2,039 patients and staff in hospitals continue to receive emergency food rations.
Cousin added that the WFP, working with the UN Humanitarian Coordinator and partners, has led the activation of the Logistics Cluster, a system by which the humanitarian community coordinates logistical support and humanitarian assistance. The first meeting was held on Wednesday, 30 July. The cluster will be available to facilitate the entry of relief supplies from all humanitarian agencies to Gaza.
In addition to continuing providing emergency assistance, WFP in coordination with its humanitarian partners on the ground, was planning to resume its regular food distributions Saturday to 285,000 vulnerable and food-insecure Gaza residents. The breakdown in the ceasefire has forced WFP and cooperating partners to put these activities on hold and focus on the emergency situation.
Food for the regular distributions, usually made every two months, has nonetheless been pre-positioned for a round of assistance scheduled for the first week of August. WFP and UNRWA together provide food assistance to two-thirds of the total population of the Gaza Strip.  
WFP announced that it needs an immediate US$48 million to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to people affected by the conflict in Gaza. In addition, WFP needs US$20 million to continue its regular programmes in Gaza and the West Bank until the end of the year.
WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food in emergencies and working with communities to build resilience. In 2013, WFP assisted more than 80 million people in 75 countries.