In a shocking declaration, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the famine affecting Gaza City as a "failure of humanity", calling it a "man-made disaster". The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has assigned the most severe food insecurity status, Phase 5, to parts of Gaza, revealing that more than half a million people in the territory are facing dire conditions characterized by starvation, deprivation, and the threat of death.
Guterres' remarks come in light of a report by the IPC, which forecasts that nearly one-third of Gaza's population will be suffering from what they label "catastrophic conditions". As the humanitarian crisis escalates, Israel has rejected these claims, asserting that there is no starvation in the region. This denial contrasts sharply with statements made by over one hundred humanitarian organizations, on-the-ground witnesses, and even allies of Israel like the UK.
The situation is expected to worsen if immediate action is not taken, as the IPC predicts an increase in famine-related fatalities. The report points out that from mid-August to late September, the famine is likely to spread to additional areas, including Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis. Disturbingly, it indicates that malnutrition may threaten the lives of 132,000 children under five years of age, having already led to reported malnutrition-related fatalities since the conflict began.
Residents of Gaza City, like 41-year-old Reem Tawfiq Khader, expressed dismay at the late acknowledgment of the famine, declaring their desperate circumstances. According to Khader, her youngest child has not tasted any fruits or vegetables for five months. Another parent, Rida Hijjeh, described her daughter's alarming weight loss due to severe food shortages.
The UN's aid chief, Tom Fletcher, attributed the famine to deliberate obstruction by Israeli authorities, reinforcing the assertion that the situation is preventable and is fueled by man-made factors. Guterres has stressed Israel’s obligations under international law to ensure the provision of food and medical supplies for the population. UN officials have further classified the famine as an implication of deliberate actions by the Israeli government, raising serious moral and legal concerns.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed these sentiments, labeling the situation a "moral outrage," while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted that Israel's policy is aimed at preventing starvation, not creating it. The Israeli government claims to have allowed significant amounts of aid into Gaza, despite warnings from the UN that the aid being permitted is insufficient, arguing that at least 600 trucks of supplies are necessary daily.
As the international community keeps pressure on the Israeli government, recent attempts to provide humanitarian aid have included airdropping supplies, which have drawn criticism for their effectiveness and safety. The ongoing military operations in response to a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, are also contributing to the chaotic and desperate situation that now engulfs Gaza.
As hostilities continue, the urgent need for a sustained humanitarian response has never been clearer, with the UN urging that failure to act swiftly could lead to catastrophic outcomes in the affected regions.
Guterres' remarks come in light of a report by the IPC, which forecasts that nearly one-third of Gaza's population will be suffering from what they label "catastrophic conditions". As the humanitarian crisis escalates, Israel has rejected these claims, asserting that there is no starvation in the region. This denial contrasts sharply with statements made by over one hundred humanitarian organizations, on-the-ground witnesses, and even allies of Israel like the UK.
The situation is expected to worsen if immediate action is not taken, as the IPC predicts an increase in famine-related fatalities. The report points out that from mid-August to late September, the famine is likely to spread to additional areas, including Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis. Disturbingly, it indicates that malnutrition may threaten the lives of 132,000 children under five years of age, having already led to reported malnutrition-related fatalities since the conflict began.
Residents of Gaza City, like 41-year-old Reem Tawfiq Khader, expressed dismay at the late acknowledgment of the famine, declaring their desperate circumstances. According to Khader, her youngest child has not tasted any fruits or vegetables for five months. Another parent, Rida Hijjeh, described her daughter's alarming weight loss due to severe food shortages.
The UN's aid chief, Tom Fletcher, attributed the famine to deliberate obstruction by Israeli authorities, reinforcing the assertion that the situation is preventable and is fueled by man-made factors. Guterres has stressed Israel’s obligations under international law to ensure the provision of food and medical supplies for the population. UN officials have further classified the famine as an implication of deliberate actions by the Israeli government, raising serious moral and legal concerns.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed these sentiments, labeling the situation a "moral outrage," while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted that Israel's policy is aimed at preventing starvation, not creating it. The Israeli government claims to have allowed significant amounts of aid into Gaza, despite warnings from the UN that the aid being permitted is insufficient, arguing that at least 600 trucks of supplies are necessary daily.
As the international community keeps pressure on the Israeli government, recent attempts to provide humanitarian aid have included airdropping supplies, which have drawn criticism for their effectiveness and safety. The ongoing military operations in response to a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, are also contributing to the chaotic and desperate situation that now engulfs Gaza.
As hostilities continue, the urgent need for a sustained humanitarian response has never been clearer, with the UN urging that failure to act swiftly could lead to catastrophic outcomes in the affected regions.
