New York: A dire situation has unfolded in parts of the Gaza Strip, where extreme food shortages have surpassed famine levels, threatening mass death if immediate action isn’t taken. The global hunger monitor issued a chilling warning on Monday, stressing that without an urgent ceasefire and a significant increase in food supplies to areas isolated by conflict, the region faces an imminent humanitarian catastrophe.
The Integrated Food-Security Phase Classification (IPC), whose assessments are relied upon by UN agencies, revealed that a staggering 70% of individuals in northern Gaza are experiencing the most severe level of food shortage, surpassing the threshold for famine by more than triple.
While precise data on death rates is lacking, the IPC estimates that residents are on the brink of famine-scale mortality rates. This grim scenario is defined as two individuals out of every 10,000 succumbing daily to starvation or malnutrition-related diseases. Tragically, Gaza’s health ministry has already reported 27 children and three adults dead from malnutrition.
Addressing this looming crisis requires immediate political action, as emphasized by the IPC. A ceasefire must be swiftly implemented, coupled with a significant increase in humanitarian and commercial access across Gaza to ensure the entire population receives vital aid.
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Disturbingly, 1.1 million Gazans, roughly half the population, are grappling with catastrophic food shortages, with approximately 300,000 individuals facing the alarming prospect of famine-level death rates.
The looming threat of a manmade famine has drawn sharp criticism of Israel from Western allies, marking the strongest rebuke since the conflict escalated following a deadly attack by Hamas militants on Israeli territory on October 7.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned the situation, stating unequivocally, “In Gaza we are no longer on the brink of famine. We are in a state of famine… Starvation is used as a weapon of war. Israel is provoking famine.”
Responding to criticism, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz defended Israel’s actions, asserting its right to self-defense against Hamas’ actions. Israel maintains that it has facilitated extensive humanitarian aid to Gaza via land, air, and sea routes, despite disruptions by Hamas militants.
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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has labeled the IPC report as an “appalling indictment”, calling on Israel to allow unfettered access to all parts of Gaza. Echoing these sentiments, Britain’s Foreign Minister David Cameron stressed the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need for immediate action to avert a famine.
Efforts to alleviate the crisis have been hindered by logistical challenges and ongoing conflict. Aid agencies report difficulties in accessing and distributing supplies safely, particularly in northern Gaza.
In a tragic escalation, Israeli forces launched a major assault on Al Shifa hospital, one of the few remaining medical facilities in northern Gaza. The assault, which resulted in casualties among displaced individuals seeking shelter, underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for a swift resolution to the conflict.
As negotiations for a ceasefire continue, the international community must redouble its efforts to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and prevent further loss of life.
