Renowned Spanish chef José Andrés has issued an urgent warning that World Central Kitchen (WCK), will run out of food. He emphasizes that WCK will be forced to halt operations unless Israeli authorities reopen closed border crossings into Gaza.
World Central Kitchen chef warns of imminent halt to one million daily meals
In a post on X, Andrés declared that the non-profit he founded is facing a critical depletion of supplies.
The chef emphasized the urgency of the operation, explaining that the organization is currently distributing one million hot meals daily. These foods are given to civilians caught in the conflict zone.
“We have been told that Gaza’s borders are closed indefinitely. If they stay closed, World Central Kitchen will run out of food this week,” Andrés stated.
Additionally, he said WCK is cooking one million hot meals every day. He appealed that they need food deliveries every single day to feed hungry families not part of the war.
Andrés stressed that all non-governmental organizations in Gaza are in urgent, daily need of food and personal care items. He insisted there is no time to wait for humanitarian trucks to be permitted to cross into the enclave.
Israel shuts all crossings amid Iran strikes, defends closure as a security measure
Andrés urgent plea comes after Israeli authorities sealed all entry points into the Gaza Strip on Saturday. The move coincides with coordinated military actions by the U.S. and Israel against Iran.
According to Israel’s Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the closure represents several necessary security adjustments. This was implemented amid the early morning strikes on Iran.
Findings by Charity Journal reveal that among the crossings now blocked is the Rafah Crossing. This remains the only border point between Gaza and Egypt not directly controlled by Israel.
In a statement on X, COGAT confirmed that the rotation of humanitarian personnel is postponed as a result. However, the agency controversially claimed the closures will have no impact on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
COGAT also asserts that the existing stock of food is expected to suffice for an extended period.
Meanwhile, the United Nations reported in January that humanitarian groups had finally managed to meet 100 percent of basic food needs. This is the first milestone recorded since the war began in October 2023, while the situation remains dire.
Data from the World Food Program USA indicates that as of December, over 75 percent of Gaza’s population still faces crisis levels of food insecurity.
Ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, World Central Kitchen has commenced the distribution of 100,000 food kits to families in Gaza. The food kits will provide 7 million meals for Gaza residents throughout Ramadan.