Anas Baba, NPR's producer in the Gaza Strip, provides a rare and harrowing glimpse into the daily struggle for food in the region. His recent report details a visit to a food distribution site established with the support of the United States and Israel, highlighting the extreme risks faced by individuals seeking essential supplies amid ongoing conflict. This report contains graphic imagery and descriptions of the dire situation.
In the Gaza Strip, obtaining food today is fraught with danger. My own journey to secure food from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) involved navigating Israeli military fire, intimidation from private U.S. contractors, and chaotic crowds fighting for rations. Since the GHF began its food distribution initiative on May 26, thousands of desperate Palestinians have been injured, and many have tragically lost their lives to Israeli gunfire, according to reports from Gaza health officials and international medical teams.
The situation is dire; many individuals return empty-handed after being overwhelmed by crowds. The United Nations has labeled the GHF's program as a "death trap," underscoring the extreme risks associated with accessing food in the region.
After nearly 21 months of war, I have lost a significant amount of weight, roughly a third of my body mass. The ongoing Israeli restrictions on food entering Gaza, coupled with strict distribution controls, have exacerbated widespread hunger. Reports from Gaza health officials indicate that many children are dying from malnutrition, leading to a visible decline in the population's health. People are increasingly frail and weak, often needing to lean against walls for support or walking in groups for stability. It has become common to witness fainting spells among women and children on the streets.
My own food intake has dwindled to a single small meal per day, as I attempt to ration my limited supplies. Three weeks ago, I exhausted my stock of essentials like flour, lentils, and cooking oil. Prices have skyrocketed, with two pounds of potatoes costing around $100, making it impossible for many to afford even basic items. In desperation, I resorted to buying watermelon peels and spoiled potatoes to pickle. With no other options left, I determined to venture out for food from GHF.
Despite the dangers, the desperate need for food drives individuals to take risks. On the night of June 23, my cousin and I left Gaza City and walked south toward a GHF site in central Gaza. We packed a small backpack with water and a first aid kit, while others prepared themselves with empty sacks and knives to fend off potential thieves.
As midnight approached, large crowds began to gather along the road leading to the food site, anxiously awaiting any sign of its opening. The path to the distribution site required passing through a military area near the Netzarim corridor, a zone typically off-limits to Palestinians. The unpredictable opening hours of GHF forced many to take the risk of crossing into this dangerous territory.
At 1:30 a.m. on June 24, excitement erupted as a car sped down the road, announcing that the GHF site was open. Crowds surged forward, but chaos ensued as people rushed to get to the site first. Tragically, I witnessed individuals being crushed under vehicles as desperation turned to pandemonium.
As we neared the site, we were confronted by an Israeli tank that had not yet withdrawn. The crowd quickly dispersed, fearing the worst as the tank opened fire. My cousin and I dropped to the ground, listening to the screams of the injured and cries of those mourning loved ones. Even in the face of danger, the need for food drove many to wait in the darkness, hoping for a chance to access the distribution.
When the food site finally opened, the scene was chaotic. Hundreds of people tore down fences, desperate to reach the boxes of food stacked on wooden pallets. I captured images of the turmoil as people fought fiercely for what little food was available. A woman, visibly distressed, brandished knives to protect her child and her share of the food, illustrating the complete breakdown of law and order.
Prior to the current situation, food distribution in Gaza was more organized, with UN agencies coordinating efforts to ensure that everyone received their share. However, the GHF's establishment came amidst accusations that Hamas was diverting aid, leading to the current disarray. Ironically, I observed individuals whom I believed to be affiliated with Hamas taking food for their families, highlighting the complexity of the conflict.
During my time at the distribution site, I felt the intimidation of private armed U.S. contractors who were guarding the area. They pointed laser sights at my forehead, warning me against filming. The GHF later defended its actions, acknowledging that their unpredictable opening hours could expose Palestinians to danger but asserting that they were working to minimize crowd surges.
As I fought to secure any food I could find, I witnessed the desperate measures others were taking. I grabbed cooking oil and biscuits that had fallen to the ground, disregarding the dirt. The true challenge was making it out of the site alive, as the crowd surged forward. On our way home, we were confronted by masked thieves who demanded a share of our food. In a moment of fear, we surrendered some of our supplies and fled.
Upon reaching the hospital that morning, I was met with horror. Over 200 individuals had been wounded, and 26 were reported dead, victims of the violence surrounding the food distribution site. Families who had sent loved ones to retrieve food were now at the hospital, grieving the loss of life.
The stark reality of Gaza's food crisis is laid bare: despite the daily dangers and horrors, many continue to risk their lives in search of sustenance for their families. The haunting images of bodies covered with empty food bags, once intended to carry aid, speak volumes of the desperation and tragedy unfolding in Gaza.
This report serves as a testament to the resilience of the Palestinian people, who, in the face of unimaginable challenges, remain determined to provide for their families amidst chaos and despair.
Contributions from NPR's Daniel Estrin in Tel Aviv have enriched this account, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
