UN Commissioner Warns of Man-Made Hunger Crisis
in Gaza Despite Easing of Famine
Despite the United Nations (UN) declaring an end to the famine in Gaza, the commissioner-general of the UN Relief and Works Agency (Unrwa), Philippe Lazzarini, has warned that a man-made hunger crisis
persists, with 1.6 million people facing acute food insecurity. This situation is heightened by winter conditions, causing an increasing risk of hypothermia and exacerbating the humanitarian emergency.
The Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
Gaza, home to more than two million people, has been under blockade by Israel and Egypt since 2007, leading to severe shortages of food, electricity, and clean water. The situation was further exacerbated by a two-year war which destroyed much of the housing and civilian infrastructure, forcing over 70% of the population to live in makeshift shelters or substandard accommodation.
While the UN declared the famine in Gaza to be over due to improved access for humanitarian aid, a recent report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) underscores the remaining fragility. The IPC revealed that despite the end of the famine, 77% of the population, including over 100,000 children and 37,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women, still face high levels of acute food insecurity.
Winter Worsens Conditions
The approaching winter has further worsened the living conditions in Gaza. Torrential rains linked to Storm Byron have increased, causing devastating roof collapses and flooding. Tragically, a 29-day-old baby boy, sheltered under a worn-out nylon tent, died of hypothermia as temperatures dropped.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also reported that over 1,000 patients have died awaiting evacuation from Gaza since July 2024, further highlighting the dire situation.
Health Crises and Aid Blockade
In addition to the food insecurity and harsh winter conditions, the Gaza Strip is also grappling with health crises. Outbreaks of cholera and polio have been reported, with local medical services lacking resources to contain the epidemics.
Despite this, Israel has been accused of blocking aid to Gaza. Israel, however, has disputed this, stating that the reports don't reflect the reality
in Gaza and ignore the volume of aid entering.
The Ongoing Crisis
Lazzarini stressed that the crisis could only be brought to an end if supplies are allowed into Gaza, warning that the situation could rapidly deteriorate without sustained access for humanitarian aid.
Despite the easing of famine and the ceasefire that took effect in October, the situation in Gaza remains critical. The UN-backed hunger monitor IPC has called for increased aid deliveries, citing emergency
levels of hunger, and the urgent need for improved living conditions for the residents of Gaza.
The UN and other international bodies continue to monitor the situation closely, stressing the need for humanitarian aid and an end to the blockade.