Famine conditions have been reported in Gaza, with the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) stating that approximately 500,000 people, or 25% of the Palestinian population in Gaza, are affected. The report emphasizes that this situation is “entirely man-made” and implicates Israel for systematically obstructing food aid to the region. Aid organizations highlight the irony that while food supplies sit at the borders, people in Gaza are experiencing severe shortages.
The IPC assessment indicates that residents of Gaza City are experiencing starvation, poverty, and high mortality rates due to malnutrition and disease. The report outlines three critical indicators of famine: extreme food shortages affecting one in five households, acute malnutrition in at least one in three children, and a daily mortality rate of two in every 10,000 from starvation-related causes. However, monitoring systems have broken down, which might obscure the true mortality figures.
Recently, the Israeli Prime Minister has denied the existence of starvation in Gaza and attributed any hunger to the actions of aid agencies and Hamas. Israel has accused international organizations of failing to transport aid effectively. Despite the ongoing starvation crisis, Israel’s restrictions on food and other goods into Gaza have remained stringent since the commencement of the current conflict on October 7, 2023.
Following international pressure, Israel has increased the volume of aid allowed into Gaza, but aid organizations assert that this remains insufficient. Currently, aid distribution is limited to four operational sites, down from over 400 previously managed by UN agencies, complicating access for those in need.
Responses from Israeli officials have rejected the IPC’s conclusions, alleging that the report is biased and based on incomplete data. In contrast, UN officials and various leaders have demanded accountability, stressing that Israel, as the occupying power, must ensure the provision of essential supplies. Concerns are rising over Israel’s military plans to invade Gaza City, a move that could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg4p90z1kxo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss