RAMALLAH, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian Minister of Social Development Samah Hamad warned on Sunday the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is worsening, citing a shortage of humanitarian aid entering the enclave due to Israeli "obstacles."
Hamad told Voice of Palestine radio that among the 164 World Food Programme-backed bread distribution points running in the strip to sell affordable flour, many have shut down amid shortages and limited supplies.
Humanitarian kitchens, once serving 670,000 meals daily through 80 kitchens supported by 23 humanitarian organizations, have sharply cut output, with only a few still running, she added.
Because of the dire situation, 3 percent of children under the age of nine, mostly boys, have been forced into arduous labor to provide food for their families, Hamad said.
The ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel is facing setbacks in implementing its key provisions, including disarmament and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
The ceasefire agreement between the two sides has been in effect since October 2025. Its first phase included an exchange of prisoners and detainees, the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from some areas.
The United States announced in mid-January the start of the second phase of its proposed peace plan, which includes a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, the commencement of reconstruction efforts, and the establishment of a transitional governing body in the Gaza Strip. ■
