The scale of destruction in Gaza has been described as “beyond imagination” by Jonathan Dumon, Head of Emergency Communications for the World Food Programme (WFP), in an interview with the United Nations website.
Dumon highlighted that civilians in Gaza are desperate for life-saving aid, with the looming threat of widespread famine growing more urgent by the day. Speaking from Gaza, Dumon explained that many individuals have been displaced multiple times, and families are living either in tents or amidst the rubble of destroyed buildings, with no access to electricity or running water.
“The majority of people have lost their homes, especially in the south, where many are living in tents. With the arrival of winter, they face heavy rain and winds that destroy their tents and flood them with water, while most children are without shoes,” Dumon reported.
He continued, “Many feel they have no choice but to return to their homes, which are mostly just ruins. I met families living in collapsed concrete blocks, with no electricity, running water, or sanitation. This is their second winter without shelter.”
Dumon shared haunting memories from his travels, saying, “As we were heading towards Gaza City, we passed a checkpoint where we saw several bodies on a bridge in a desolate area. Dogs were eating the bodies, a horrifying sight.” He added, “Our colleagues were tasked with collecting the bodies, but we couldn’t stop. Later, we encountered two women and some children walking south due to the heavy military activity in the north. What struck me most was that these children would soon face the same horrifying scene with dogs feeding on the bodies, and I thought about the psychological impact this would have on them.”
Regarding northern Gaza, Dumon remarked, “I visited Gaza City, although I didn’t go to the far northern areas. Gaza City is large, but many buildings have been destroyed. Now, it feels like a ghost city.”
Dumon explained that while the World Food Programme is able to reach the area with some aid, the prices of food outside international aid channels are exorbitant. “I saw a man selling peppers for $195, five dollars for a single pepper. People can’t afford that,” he said.
The ongoing Zionist occupation and aggression on Gaza since October 7 have resulted in the deaths of 44,835 individuals and left 106,356 injured, according to the latest toll. The Zionist occupation forces continue their unprecedented assault on Gaza, targeting civilians in their homes, shelters, and refugee camps, amidst an unparalleled humanitarian crisis.
