UN continues response to crises in Gaza and Lebanon

At his regular press briefing, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric noted the dire situation, and the efforts to alleviate suffering and provide essential aid.

In the north central area around Gaza City, limited deliveries of fuel on 6 and 8 December allowed four bakeries to resume operations at full capacity, enabling the resumption of bread distributions to shelters and community kitchens, alongside cooked meals.

However, the situation remains dire in other areas.

“In North Gaza and Rafah governorates, seven bakeries remain shut down due to the ongoing hostilities. And in Deir al Balah and Khan Younis, all eight bakeries are closed, due to flour shortages and safety concerns caused by overcrowding,” Mr. Dujarric said.

Humanitarian partners are prioritising flour distribution to households in southern and central Gaza, providing each family with a 25-kilo bag of wheat flour, as stocks allow.

Prices skyrocketing

Yet, the soaring cost illustrates the severity of supply shortages – as of 1 December in Deir al Balah, a 25-kilo bag of flour cost at least $280, while in Khan Younis, it was $245, according to humanitarian partners.

“The immediate entry of more food supplies in Gaza is crucial to address the deepening hunger crisis across the Gaza Strip,” the UN Spokesperson emphasised.

Health concerns are equally alarming. Severe access challenges prevent regular malnutrition screenings, which are critical to identifying children in need of treatment. In the fourth quarter of 2024, only 151,000 of Gaza’s 346,000 children under five were screened.

In November, the UN and aid partners distributed supplementary food to children, despite logistical delays. The programme reached 146,000 children in Rafah, Khan Younis, Deir al Balah, and Gaza governorates.

Lebanon: Aid and reconstruction efforts

In Lebanon, the UN and its partners are working to support the Government-led response, having delivered vital food and water to communities in need in South Lebanon and Nabatieh governorates on Tuesday.

Mr. Dujarric informed journalists that Imran Riza, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, visited Dahieh, a suburb of southern Beirut, to assess the humanitarian situation and needs.

There, Mr. Riza met with municipal leaders and local stakeholders, focusing discussions on recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.

Closed-door Security Council meeting

Later in the day, the UN Security Council met behind closed doors to discuss the situation in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip, with a briefing by Sigrid Kaag, UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator.

Speaking with reporters after the briefing, Ms. Kaag underscored the need for political will to address the crisis and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need.

“There is no substitute. No system can and will substitute or compensate for an absence or lack of political will. This is political – political will and political choice,” she said, emphasising that the responsibility lies with Member States and the parties to the conflict.