Israeli curbs risk halting World Central Kitchen in Gaza, authorities say

The Government Media Office in Gaza has warned that increasing Israeli restrictions on relief services provided by the World Central Kitchen (WCK) threaten to halt its operations in the Gaza Strip, potentially affecting thousands of Palestinians.

Commenting on reports that WCK is struggling to cope with the restrictions, the office said on Wednesday that a cessation of its services would have “serious humanitarian repercussions” in the war-torn enclave.

Ismail Ibrahim al-Thawabta, director general of the office, said one of the main obstacles is the reduction of trucks allowed to deliver food daily – from 25 down to just five.

“This has severely weakened the kitchen’s operational capacity and threatens the continuity of its food services, which benefit thousands of citizens every day,” he said.

Thawabta added that pressure has reportedly been exerted on WCK to purchase raw materials from within Israel, altering the supply routes and processes.

“This increases costs and creates additional obstacles compared with previous mechanisms,” he said.

“The Gaza Strip faces indicators of a worsening humanitarian crisis if restrictions on aid continue. Responsibility for preventing this crisis lies with the occupying power, which is limiting humanitarian supplies in clear violation of international humanitarian law and its obligations towards the civilian population.”

'The Gaza Strip faces indicators of a worsening humanitarian crisis if restrictions on aid continue'

– Government Media Office in Gaza

WCK confirmed on Wednesday that it continues to provide humanitarian assistance in Gaza, but warned it "will not be able to do so indefinitely unless the flow is consistent and sustained".

“We are constructively working with all parties involved to resolve this supply chain issue,” the organisation said.

"WCK and all other humanitarian organisations need immediate, regular humanitarian access so aid can flow safely and reliably from Egypt into Gaza. WCK will maintain our feeding operations as long as we have the food required."

Vital aid work

In early February, WCK reached the milestone of distributing one million hot meals daily in the enclave.

The organisation is one of the most essential providers of food-related aid, accounting for over 60 percent of all NGO-delivered humanitarian relief to Palestinians.

Its work in the besieged enclave is particularly vital, as food insecurity and malnutrition persist following Israel’s blockade on relief supplies.

WCK has faced repeated Israeli targeting in the form of restrictions, threats and attacks. In April 2024, the Israeli military killed the organisation’s team in Gaza, forcing it to suspend its work temporarily.

Since the beginning of the war in 2023, WCK says it has delivered at least 272 million meals to Palestinians in Gaza.