The UN’s World Food Programme has said its supplies in Gaza are depleted, as Israel’s blockade on aid nears its eighth week.
The WFP said on Friday that its last remaining food stocks had been delivered to "to hot meals kitchens" in the enclave, the agency said in a statement on Friday.
“These kitchens are expected to fully run out of food in the coming days," it said. "For weeks, hot meal kitchens have been the only consistent source of food assistance for people in Gaza. Despite reaching just half the population with only 25 per cent of daily food needs, they have provided a critical lifeline.”
Israel blocked entry of supplies including food, fuel and medicine into Gaza on March 2, before resuming its bombardment and ground operations as a two-month ceasefire with Hamas collapsed. Israeli officials say the moves are aimed at putting pressure on Hamas to release its remaining hostages.
Rights groups have condemned the blockade, calling it a “starvation tactic” and warned that it could amount to a war crime.
Israel's war in Gaza has killed more than 51,350 Palestinians, the enclave’s Health Ministry has said. The conflict has also destroyed most of its built-up areas. The Israeli assault was in response to an attack led by Hamas on October 7, 2023, that killed 1,200 people in southern Israel.
The WFP also said that, at the end of March, all of its 25 supported bakeries closed as wheat flour and cooking fuel ran out.
“No humanitarian or commercial supplies have entered Gaza for more than seven weeks as all main border crossing points remain closed,” the agency added. “This is the longest closure the Gaza Strip has ever faced, exacerbating already fragile markets and food systems. Food prices have skyrocketed up to 1,400 per cent compared to during the ceasefire and essential food commodities are in short supply, raising serious nutrition concerns for vulnerable populations, including children under five, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and the elderly.”
Mediators continue to push for peace and proposals are being negotiated, but deep mistrust and diverging goals between Israel and Hamas have stalled the process. Intensive negotiations are under way to reach a Gaza ceasefire before US President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East in May, Hamas officials said.
A delegation of senior Hamas members, led by Khalil Al Hayya, Zaher Jabareen and Nizar Awadallah, arrived in Cairo late on Thursday night for talks with Egyptian mediators, sources said.
The head of Israel's Mossad spy agency, David Barnea, was expected in Qatar later on Friday to join officials from the agency who are already there, the sources added.
They also told The National that the two sides held “serious” ceasefire talks in Cairo, but an agreement may prove elusive again. Hamas militants said they would not accept a “partial” ceasefire deal and called for a “comprehensive” agreement to halt the war. Israel, however, has sought to extend the terms of the first phase of the ceasefire.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
ABU DHABI ORDER OF PLAY
Starting at 10am:
Daria Kasatkina v Qiang Wang
Veronika Kudermetova v Annet Kontaveit (10)
Maria Sakkari (9) v Anastasia Potapova
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to turn your property into a holiday home
- Ensure decoration and styling – and portal photography – quality is high to achieve maximum rates.
- Research equivalent Airbnb homes in your location to ensure competitiveness.
- Post on all relevant platforms to reach the widest audience; whether you let personally or via an agency know your potential guest profile – aiming for the wrong demographic may leave your property empty.
- Factor in costs when working out if holiday letting is beneficial. The annual DCTM fee runs from Dh370 for a one-bedroom flat to Dh1,200. Tourism tax is Dh10-15 per bedroom, per night.
- Check your management company has a physical office, a valid DTCM licence and is licencing your property and paying tourism taxes. For transparency, regularly view your booking calendar.
In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
- Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000
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- HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000
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