Food distribution halted, cooking gas running out in Gaza

The World Food Program (WFP) and the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA confirmed they had not delivered food aid since 26 April, with the latter saying it had also stopped refuse collection.

The head of UNRWA in Gaza, John Ging, told IRIN efforts were being made to get fuel to the UN, but said "a solution for the UN's needs is not a solution for all of Gaza."

Several aid agencies, including Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF), have also halted some work due to the lack of fuel.

"The cessation of our activities may result in a severe deterioration of all of our patients' general state of health," said MSF's Duncan McLean.

Health workers had trouble getting to work, and up to 40 percent of staff were absent in some hospitals, according to MSF. Students and teachers had the same problems reaching schools.

Ambulances were short of fuel, and hospitals said they did not have enough for their backup generators, which are crucial when the power cuts out.

Cooking gas shortage

Cooking gas is no longer available at official outlets as very limited supplies have been delivered since a 9 April attack by Palestinian fighters on the Nahal Oz fuel border crossing.

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