UN Officially Declares Famine in Gaza Amid Israeli Blockade
The United Nations, backed by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), has officially declared a state of famine in Gaza City and its surrounding areas, affecting approximately half a million people. This is the first time a famine has been declared in the Middle East region. The situation is expected to aggravate further, expanding to other parts of Gaza, if immediate and effective humanitarian measures are not put in place.
Background and Context
The IPC, a globally recognized body that classifies the severity of food insecurity and malnutrition, found that three key thresholds for famine had been met. The classification system, established in 2004, has only been used to declare four famines previously. This scale has now raised its classification for the Gaza Governorate to Phase 5, the highest level, characterized by starvation, destitution, and death.
Developments and Details
Tom Fletcher, the UN's humanitarian affairs coordinator, said, This is a famine that could have been avoided if we were allowed to do so. Yet, food is accumulating at the borders due to Israel's systematic obstruction.
The famine in Gaza comes after months of Israeli restrictions that cut off food and water supplies to more than two million people.
The IPC report issued on Friday morning stated that the famine is projected to extend to Deir al-Balah in central Gaza and Khan Younis in the south by the end of September. While the body had previously warned that famine was imminent across Gaza, it had stopped short of making a formal declaration.
Reactions and Implications
The UN's official declaration of famine in Gaza has been met with worldwide concern and calls for immediate action. The UN-backed IPC described the famine as 'entirely man-made' and warned of a 'race against time' with conditions expected to worsen by September if no action is taken.
The UN Chief has termed the famine a 'failure of humanity', while other organizations, including FAO, UNICEF, PAM, and WHO, have asserted that the famine must be 'stopped at all costs'. They have called for an 'immediate ceasefire' and 'unimpeded humanitarian access' in the Gaza Strip.
Current Status
Currently, more than half a million people in Gaza City and parts of the south and central areas face starvation, destitution and death.
An additional 1.07 million people – or 54 percent of Gaza’s population – are classified as being under Phase 4, or “emergency” conditions, while 396,000 people (20 percent) are under Phase 3 conditions.
In conclusion, the declaration of famine in Gaza is seen as a significant escalation in the region's humanitarian crisis. The situation is expected to worsen if urgent steps are not taken to alleviate the food insecurity and malnutrition that are now rampant.