Gaza's catastrophic food shortage means mass death is imminent, monitor says
The food crisis in Gaza has reached dire levels with the global hunger watchdog warning of impending mass deaths if immediate action is not taken.
The Integrated Food-Security Phase Classification (IPC) reports that 70% of the population in northern Gaza faces acute food shortages, exceeding the famine threshold.
An urgent ceasefire and food delivery to conflict zones are necessary to avert a crisis where two in every 10,000 could die daily due to starvation and related illnesses. Already, 27 children and three adults have died from malnutrition according to Gaza's health ministry.
The IPC stresses the need for immediate political and humanitarian intervention to prevent famine in Gaza, where half of the population, about 1.1 million people, are experiencing 'catastrophic' food scarcity.
This situation has led to severe criticism of Israel, particularly after its military campaigns following a Hamas attack on its territory on October 7. The EU's Josep Borrell accused Israel of inducing famine, a claim countered by Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who asserts Israel has allowed significant aid into the region and accuses Hamas and UNRWA of obstructing it.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and British Foreign Minister David Cameron both acknowledge the severity of the situation and call for immediate action.
Despite initial restrictions, Israel has begun opening more aid routes into Gaza, though aid agencies express difficulties in safely distributing supplies. In addition, the ongoing conflict has spilled over to medical facilities, with Israeli forces targeting Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City, claiming to have killed over 20 Hamas fighters, including an alleged Hamas commander accused by Israel. However, Hamas identifies him as a police official responsible for securing aid delivery.
Ceasefire negotiations continue with expectations of a deal taking weeks, as President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu discuss concerns over military operations and their implications.
Meanwhile, Israeli operations have resulted in significant casualties, with Palestinian officials reporting over 31,000 deaths since the conflict began after a Hamas incursion into Israel.
Israeli military operations included a targeted action against Al Shifa Hospital, based on intelligence of Hamas leaders' presence, resulting in the apprehension of suspects and heavy fighting in the area according to residents. The health ministry also reported deaths among displaced individuals within the hospital due to the raid.
An urgent ceasefire and food delivery to conflict zones are necessary to avert a crisis where two in every 10,000 could die daily due to starvation and related illnesses. Already, 27 children and three adults have died from malnutrition according to Gaza's health ministry.
The IPC stresses the need for immediate political and humanitarian intervention to prevent famine in Gaza, where half of the population, about 1.1 million people, are experiencing 'catastrophic' food scarcity.
This situation has led to severe criticism of Israel, particularly after its military campaigns following a Hamas attack on its territory on October 7. The EU's Josep Borrell accused Israel of inducing famine, a claim countered by Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who asserts Israel has allowed significant aid into the region and accuses Hamas and UNRWA of obstructing it.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and British Foreign Minister David Cameron both acknowledge the severity of the situation and call for immediate action.
Despite initial restrictions, Israel has begun opening more aid routes into Gaza, though aid agencies express difficulties in safely distributing supplies. In addition, the ongoing conflict has spilled over to medical facilities, with Israeli forces targeting Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City, claiming to have killed over 20 Hamas fighters, including an alleged Hamas commander accused by Israel. However, Hamas identifies him as a police official responsible for securing aid delivery.
Ceasefire negotiations continue with expectations of a deal taking weeks, as President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu discuss concerns over military operations and their implications.
Meanwhile, Israeli operations have resulted in significant casualties, with Palestinian officials reporting over 31,000 deaths since the conflict began after a Hamas incursion into Israel.
Israeli military operations included a targeted action against Al Shifa Hospital, based on intelligence of Hamas leaders' presence, resulting in the apprehension of suspects and heavy fighting in the area according to residents. The health ministry also reported deaths among displaced individuals within the hospital due to the raid.
Translation:
Translated by AI
