Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.

Cindy McCain, the Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), announced a temporary suspension of their operations in Gaza due to safety concerns for their workers.

During an interview on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” host Margaret Brennan inquired about the current state of food distribution in Gaza following the reopening of a US pier for humanitarian aid. McCain explained that operations were paused after two of their warehouse complexes were hit by rockets. “Well, right now, we’re paused because I’m concerned about the safety of our people after the incidents yesterday. We’ve stepped back just for the moment to ensure the safety of our people before we restart operations. However, the rest of the country remains operational,” she stated, adding that one of their workers was injured in the attack.

McCain added, “Two of our warehouses, warehouse complex, were rocketed yesterday, so we’ve stepped back just for the moment to make sure that we’re on safe terms and on safe ground before we’ll restart. But the rest of the country is operational.”

Addressing the need for a ceasefire, McCain said, “It’s the kind of thing that’s why a cease-fire is necessary. That’s why we need to stop this so that we can get in at scale with our aid and other aid from other organizations as well. We can’t continue this in a way, because what almost happened in the north with famine could happen in the south. And so that’s what we’re trying to avoid right now. And it’s been very difficult, just because of what’s going on.”

This development comes as various governments and world leaders are reiterating calls for Hamas and Israel to agree to a ceasefire, amid the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. With aid distribution halted, there are renewed concerns of famine impacting many civilians who depend on assistance from the United Nations.