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The declaration of famine in Gaza City and surrounding areas by UN-backed experts marks a catastrophic escalation of the humanitarian crisis in the region. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a globally recognized authority on food insecurity, has determined that three key thresholds for famine have been met, signifying a dire situation demanding immediate and comprehensive action. The report explicitly states that this famine is "entirely man-made," underscoring the preventable nature of the suffering and placing responsibility on actors capable of alleviating the crisis. This designation by the IPC, which has only declared famine four times since its establishment in 2004, including Sudan last year, carries significant weight and necessitates an urgent response from the international community.
The report highlights the critical need for a ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to reach all those in need within the Gaza Strip. The IPC emphasizes that any further delay in implementing a ceasefire and restoring essential food supplies, basic health services, nutrition, and sanitation services will inevitably lead to an exponential increase in famine-related mortality. The organization had previously warned of a “famine scenario” unfolding in parts of Gaza but had refrained from making a formal declaration due to a lack of definitive data. Now, the conditions have deteriorated to the point where a famine has been formally declared in Gaza City, the largest built-up area in the territory, home to an estimated 500,000 to 800,000 people, many of whom are displaced and homeless. Furthermore, the report indicates that the towns of Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis in the central and southern regions of Gaza are likely to experience famine in the coming weeks, further exacerbating the already dire situation.
The criteria for declaring a famine are stringent, requiring that at least 20% of households face an extreme lack of food, at least 30% of children suffer from acute malnutrition, and at least two people for every 10,000 die each day due to “outright starvation.” The fact that these thresholds have been met in Gaza City underscores the severity of the crisis and the urgent need for intervention. The declaration of famine is expected to increase pressure on Israel to ease the tight restrictions it has maintained on supplies since the beginning of the conflict, which is now in its 22nd month. Amjad Shawa, the director of the Gaza NGOs Network, described the situation as the worst and most critical in the entire history of Gaza, emphasizing the desperate need for food to prevent further catastrophe.
However, Israel does not accept the assessment that there is famine or widespread malnutrition among Palestinians in Gaza. Moreover, Israel is reportedly mobilizing tens of thousands of troops for what it describes as a massive operation in Gaza City within weeks, a development that aid officials warn would have catastrophic consequences for the population. The conflicting narratives surrounding the situation highlight the complexities and challenges in addressing the humanitarian crisis effectively. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a new Israel-backed organization intended to replace aid groups that previously distributed food, is reportedly failing to provide sufficient food to the population. This inadequacy, coupled with logistical obstacles such as widespread looting due to the breakdown of law and order, ongoing Israeli combat operations, administrative restrictions, and damaged infrastructure, further impedes the delivery of aid.
The IPC report expresses grave concern regarding the continued killing of civilians attempting to access food deliveries and the inadequate planning and monitoring of food distributions conducted by the GHF. The report calls for "urgent, comprehensive and sustained action to end the swiftly deteriorating and ever-expanding humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip." This plea underscores the need for a multifaceted approach that addresses not only the immediate food needs of the population but also the underlying causes of the crisis, including the ongoing conflict and restrictions on humanitarian access. Figures from Gaza’s health ministry, verified by the World Health Organization, indicate a sharp rise in deaths from malnutrition and starvation in Gaza. While Israel disputes these figures, attributing the deaths to other medical causes, the reported increase in fatalities is alarming. The conflicting accounts regarding the causes of death highlight the difficulty in obtaining accurate information amidst the chaos and destruction.
The situation in Gaza is compounded by the breakdown of essential services such as healthcare, sanitation, and water supply. The ongoing conflict has damaged critical infrastructure, making it difficult to provide basic necessities to the population. The scarcity of clean water and sanitation facilities increases the risk of disease outbreaks, further threatening the health and well-being of civilians. The psychological impact of the conflict and the famine on the population is also significant, with many experiencing trauma, fear, and despair. Addressing the psychological needs of the population is crucial for long-term recovery and stability.
The international community must take immediate and decisive action to address the famine in Gaza and prevent further loss of life. This includes implementing a ceasefire to allow for the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, ensuring access to essential services, and addressing the underlying causes of the crisis. The responsibility for alleviating the suffering in Gaza rests not only with Israel and the Palestinian authorities but also with the international community as a whole. Failure to act will have devastating consequences for the population of Gaza and will further destabilize the region. The declaration of famine by the IPC serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate and comprehensive action to avert a humanitarian catastrophe.
Furthermore, the investigation into the root causes of this 'man-made' famine is essential. Identifying the specific actions and policies that have contributed to the crisis is critical for holding those responsible accountable and preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future. This requires a thorough and impartial assessment of the conduct of all parties involved in the conflict, including the Israeli government, Hamas, and the international community. Understanding the factors that have led to the current situation is crucial for developing effective strategies for conflict resolution and humanitarian intervention.
In addition to addressing the immediate needs of the population, long-term solutions are necessary to promote sustainable development and prevent future crises. This includes investing in infrastructure, creating economic opportunities, and promoting good governance. The international community must work with the Palestinian authorities and civil society organizations to build a more resilient and sustainable future for Gaza. This requires a commitment to peace, justice, and human rights, as well as a willingness to address the underlying causes of the conflict. Only through a comprehensive and sustained effort can Gaza overcome the challenges it faces and build a better future for its people. The current situation demands not only immediate humanitarian assistance but also a long-term commitment to peace, justice, and sustainable development.
The complexities surrounding aid distribution and the conflicting narratives of both the Israelis and Hamas, make providing assistance difficult. Aid organizations are in a difficult position, trying to provide basic resources such as food to a population that has been suffering for many months. As the war continues and restrictions remain, aid can only provide minimal impact on the suffering population. The international community must find a way to put pressure on Israel and Hamas to come to some sort of agreement. If not, we will continue to see tragic events occur in Gaza.
Source: UN-backed experts declare famine in and around Gaza City