Emergency Food Distribution in Gaza

DCA Palestine

The Issue

Since the beginning of the war in Gaza in October 2023, Gaza has been under an almost complete blockade, leading to severe shortages of vital resources like food, water, fuel and electricity as well as medical supplies.

As an import-dependent economy prior to October 7th, Gaza received 78,970 truckloads in the first eight months of 2023, of which 24,649 (or 31%) were food imports. These imports are critical to cover the food needs to the 1.2 million people that were estimated to be in need of food assistance in 2023. The war caused an enormous drop in the inflow of trucks making humanitarian operations even more challenging (especially in northern Gaza), but also leading to very high inflation rates, further exacerbating households’ access to food.

Furthermore, the scale of displacement has overwhelmed existing resources, leaving many vulnerable families without access to necessities, including food, clean water and electricity. The destruction of infrastructure has severely disrupted the food supply chains in Gaza. Families face acute food shortages. The lack of food is raising alarming concerns, demanding immediate action. Addressing the basic nutritional needs of the population is crucial and cannot be delayed.

The Project

The intervention intends to scale up the provision of food assistance to the affected population; ensuring food availability is not only a fundamental humanitarian requirement but also a moral obligation essential for safeguarding the basic well-being and dignity of the individuals and communities affected by the ongoing conflict. DCA/NCA Palestine together with local partners designed interventions of hot meals distribution to internally displaced persons sheltering in informal shelters. Due to the shortage of food items, cooking gas and required utensils, the aim was to provide ready-to-eat hot meals until the security and humanitarian situation allowed the displaced persons to cook for themselves.

The Change

This project is part of wider set of interventions designed by DCA/NCA Palestine to contribute to addressing food security needs and priorities in Gaza. Under this intervention, the expected result is to meet the basic needs for the affected population and contribute to saving lives and alleviating suffering through the distribution of hot meals in the targeted shelters in Khan Younis in Gaza.

The Results

During the month of December 2023 hot meals were distributed to a total of 27,300 people in five informal shelters in Khan Younis. The meals included rice, meat, and available vegetables. The meals were distributed in the five targeted shelters in an organized and individual manner avoiding overcrowding, while ensuring that protection and dignity considerations were taken.

Our Work

DCA and NCA work in Palestine to support Palestinian communities in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem to be economically and socially resilient and active participants in decision making processes affecting their lives. This includes advocating for respect for international humanitarian law, human rights and a just peace.