Dire Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds in Gaza: Famine Imminent

Dire Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds in Gaza: Famine Imminent

VoM News Desk | February 28, 2024 | 09:25 AM IST | Palasteine, World | Follow on Google News

Dire Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds in Gaza: Famine Imminent

Dire Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds in Gaza: Famine Imminent

In the strife-torn region of northern Gaza, the World Food Programme (WFP) issued a grim warning on Tuesday, declaring an “imminent” famine. Since January 23, no humanitarian aid has reached this area, exacerbating the dire situation as Israel engages in conflict with Hamas. The Gaza Strip faces a humanitarian emergency, with the main UN aid agency, OCHA, struggling to cope.

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Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds in Gaza: WFP and OCHA Alarmed: Famine Looms Large

During a session with the UN Security Council, WFP’s deputy executive director, Carl Skau, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that without intervention, famine is inevitable. Colleague Ramesh Rajasingham from OCHA echoed these concerns, warning of widespread starvation. With over 576,000 people, a quarter of Gaza’s population, on the brink of famine, urgent action is needed. Rajasingham highlighted the acute malnutrition affecting one in six children under two in northern Gaza.

Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds in Gaza: Collapsing Agriculture and Denied Aid Access

Maurizio Martina, deputy director general of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, revealed alarming statistics. Ninety-seven percent of Gaza’s groundwater is unfit for consumption, and agricultural production is collapsing. Despite available aid at the border, Israeli forces are systematically blocking access to Gaza. Jens Laerke, OCHA spokesperson, reported the denial of planned aid convoys, leaving the region in a desperate state. UNRWA, the main UN aid agency in Gaza, is overwhelmed as funding freezes and pressure mounts to dismantle the organization.

The situation demands urgent attention, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres confirming available aid at the border. However, Israeli forces’ actions hinder its delivery. As the crisis deepens, international agencies call on the UN Security Council to take immediate action to avert a catastrophic humanitarian disaster in Gaza.

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