Two killed as thousands overrun World Food Program warehouse in Gaza

A dire food shortage in Gaza has led to an explosion of desperation, with thousands of hungry residents overrunning a World Food Program (WFP) warehouse in central Gaza’s Deir al-Balah.

According to a statement released by the WFP, the warehouse had been stocked with supplies for upcoming humanitarian distributions before the crowds broke in, highlighting the growing unrest in the enclave.

Two people were reported dead and several others injured during the chaotic incident, with gunfire echoing in the area. The source of the gunshots remains unclear. Footage from the scene shows a flood of civilians grabbing bags of flour and boxes of food, underscoring just how critical the humanitarian situation has become.

“Hordes of hungry people” broke into the facility, the WFP confirmed, saying it was still verifying the full extent of the casualties and damage. The organization warned that humanitarian needs in Gaza have “spiralled out of control,” following nearly three months of a crippling blockade by "Israel", only partially eased in recent days.

“Gaza needs an immediate scale-up of food assistance. This is the only way to reassure people that they will not starve,” the WFP said, stressing it had consistently warned of worsening conditions on the ground and the consequences of limiting aid.

While Israel reported that 121 aid trucks entered Gaza on Wednesday — carrying flour and other essential supplies — international officials have said this is nowhere near sufficient. UN Middle East envoy Sigrid Kaag compared the current aid flow to "a lifeboat after the ship has sunk," stating that nearly the entire population of Gaza is at risk of famine.

Further complicating the aid situation is the emergence of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial American distribution mechanism backed by "Israel". The GHF operates independently of the UN and utilizes private contractors, a move the UN has criticized as “unethical” and “unworkable.”

Read more: ‘Just like Auschwitz’: Aerial footage of Gaza aid lines sparks outrage

US and "Israeli" officials claim the system is necessary to prevent aid theft by Hamas, an allegation the group denies.

On Tuesday, 47 people were injured in Rafah when a GHF food center was overrun by desperate crowds, according to the UN Human Rights Office — just one day after it began operating in the city.

With humanitarian access still tightly restricted and hunger spreading, aid organizations warn that time is running out to prevent an even deeper catastrophe.