By V.E.K.Madhushani, Jadetimes News
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amid Ongoing Conflict and Blockades
A UN backed assessment reports that nearly half a million Palestinians in Gaza are experiencing "catastrophic levels" of hunger, with a "high risk" of famine persisting due to the ongoing Israel Hamas war and restricted humanitarian access. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report indicates that while famine is not currently occurring in northern Gaza, the situation remains dire.
The previous assessment in March had predicted an imminent famine in the north. However, increased food and aid deliveries, along with enhanced nutrition, water, sanitation, and health services, have prevented this outcome. Despite this, food availability in southern and central Gaza has been severely impacted by the closure of the Rafah border crossing and the displacement of over one million people from Rafah following Israel's ground operations.
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) describes the report as depicting a "stark picture of ongoing hunger," emphasizing the critical need for sustained humanitarian access. UN officials attribute the crisis to Israeli military restrictions on aid, ongoing hostilities, and a breakdown of law and order. Israel counters that there are no limits on aid delivery and accuses UN agencies of failing to distribute supplies properly, while also accusing Hamas of stealing aid a charge Hamas denies.
The Israeli military campaign against Hamas began on October 7 in response to an unprecedented attack on southern Israel, resulting in about 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Since then, more than 37,650 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
The IPC, a global initiative by UN agencies, aid groups, and governments, serves as the primary mechanism for determining famine conditions. For famine to be officially declared, specific thresholds must be met, including extreme food scarcity, acute malnutrition in 30% of children, and high mortality rates due to starvation or related diseases.
In March, the IPC classified 677,000 Gazans, or 30% of the population, as being in Phase 5 (Catastrophe), including 165,000 in northern Gaza. The recent assessment indicates that while 20% of households in the north are in Phase 5, the acute malnutrition and mortality thresholds have not been reached.
The World Health Organization reported earlier this month that 32 deaths from malnutrition, including 28 children under five, had been recorded by local health officials. The IPC warns of a continued high risk of famine across Gaza, emphasizing that recent improvements should not lead to complacency.
The WFP noted that the "slight improvement" in the IPC report highlights the importance of greater access but stressed that the situation remains desperate. Sustained humanitarian assistance is crucial to prevent famine.
Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), reported an average of 10 children losing limbs daily due to the conflict, often in dire conditions without anesthesia. He also noted the impact of the conflict on upcoming events like the Olympic Games, which start less than three weeks after the elections.
Meanwhile, at least 24 people were reportedly killed in Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza on Tuesday, including Ismail Haniyeh's sister and nine family members. The Israeli military claimed the strikes targeted Hamas terrorists involved in the October 7 attack.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) condemned the killing of physiotherapist Fadi al Wadiya, who was among six people killed, including three children, in an attack as he cycled to work. The Israeli military later identified him as a significant Islamic Jihad terrorist involved in rocket development.