UN official warns of imminent famine in northern Gaza
UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini has warned that famine is likely to occur in northern Gaza, where Israeli occupation forces have been carrying out a relentless military offensive for over a month.
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The UNRWA chief noted that humanitarian aid entering Gaza is insufficient, with an average of just over 30 trucks a day, which amounts to only 6% of the daily food needs of the Palestinian population. "This is far from enough to meet the basic needs of the people in Gaza," Lazzarini said.
He called for urgent action, including the political will to increase the flow of humanitarian and commercial supplies into Gaza and to ensure that aid convoys can enter northern Gaza regularly and without interruption. Lazzarini emphasized that there is still time to address the crisis, saying, "The time has not yet passed."
On Friday, a report from the Famine Review Committee, part of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), warned of a "strong likelihood" of imminent famine in northern Gaza. The committee, comprising senior international experts in food security, nutrition, and mortality, stressed the urgent need for action within days, not weeks, to prevent a catastrophic outcome.
The committee's report stated that "the humanitarian situation in Gaza is extremely dire and deteriorating rapidly." It urged all parties concerned to take immediate steps to avoid the looming famine.
For weeks, the people of Gaza have been facing severe food and water shortages, compounded by a lack of medical supplies and fuel due to the ongoing Israeli blockade, which has been in place since the Israeli ground offensive began on October 27, 2023. The blockade has already led to the deaths of several children and elderly individuals due to malnutrition and lack of medical care.
In recent weeks, the crisis has also spread to central and southern Gaza, where essential goods such as flour and basic materials have run out. Many families have been forced to use expired flour and seek out unhealthy alternatives in order to feed their children.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, calls for a ceasefire and increased international aid continue to grow, with the UN and various aid agencies urging the international community to take decisive action to prevent further suffering in Gaza.
