Gaza Famine: At the Brink of a Humanitarian Catastrophe
Ten Palestinians, including two children, died from starvation in the last 24 hours, according to Gaza's health ministry. This brings the total death toll from hunger and malnutrition to 317, including 121 children, amid an intensifying blockade imposed by Israel. The situation in the Palestinian territory has reached a breaking point
, as described by the United Nations (UN) and various aid organizations.
The Dire Situation
Over 22 months of conflict have pushed the Gaza Strip into a state of famine, as announced by the UN last Friday. The World Food Programme (WFP) has emphasized that the increased aid reaching Gaza remains insufficient to avert widespread starvation. The organization currently delivers about 100 aid trucks daily, falling significantly short of the 600 trucks that entered daily during the ceasefire.
Despite warning about increasing levels of starvation following Israel's campaign of denying aid, food and basic essentials into the besieged territory, it was the first time the Integrated Food Phase Classification (IPC) declared famine,
according to Middle East Eye. The IPC estimates that around half a million people are currently trapped in famine, with numbers expected to rise to 650,000 within six weeks.
A Cry for Help
In a grim depiction of the situation, Inger Ashing, the head of Save the Children, told the UN Security Council that children in Gaza are dying slowly from famine, with some too weak to cry. She urged the international community to act, stating, Everyone in this room has a legal and moral responsibility to act to stop this atrocity.
Pope Leo XIV and other world leaders have demanded that Israel stop its “collective punishment” of the population in the besieged territory. However, far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has insisted on continuing the blockade, stating that no humanitarian supplies should be allowed into Gaza.
The International Response
The humanitarian crisis has galvanized governments and aid groups to intensify pleas for Israel to halt its offensive on Gaza. Cindy McCain, a UN official, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have discussed the urgent need for more aid.
Despite the dire situation, reports of enforced disappearances at aid distribution points have emerged. The UN has warned that these incidents could discourage individuals from accessing essential food assistance, further escalating the risk of starvation.
The Path Forward
As it stands, the people of Gaza face a worsening humanitarian catastrophe marked by famine, disease, and relentless bombardment. Despite promises from Netanyahu to 'redouble efforts' to boost aid to Gaza, the situation remains critical. The international community continues to grapple with the urgent need for a ceasefire and an end to restrictions to avert a full-scale humanitarian disaster. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the fate of millions on the brink of starvation.