The Gaza Strip continues to face the looming threat of famine more than a year into the Israel-Hamas war, despite a recent decrease in the number of people experiencing extreme hunger. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a leading authority on hunger crises, revealed that over 1.8 million individuals in Gaza, approximately 86% of the population, are currently grappling with crisis-level hunger. Within this group, around 133,000 people, or 6%, are classified as experiencing catastrophic hunger, the highest level on the IPC's scale.
The ongoing conflict has exacerbated the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with hundreds of thousands of individuals displaced from their homes and living in overcrowded tent camps and makeshift shelters. The onset of winter, coupled with limited access to food, clean water, and sanitation facilities, further compounds the challenges faced by the population.
Israel's control over Gaza's land borders has significantly impacted the flow of humanitarian aid into the territory. While Israeli authorities claim to allow unrestricted access for aid, humanitarian organizations cite ongoing restrictions, fighting, and displacement as major obstacles to delivering assistance effectively.
The recent military operation in northern Gaza led to a two-week halt in food shipments to the region, exacerbating an already dire situation. The IPC warns that catastrophic hunger levels are expected to double in the coming months if aid delivery does not improve. The organization highlighted the disruptions caused by repeated evacuations and the breakdown of essential services, further deepening the vulnerability of communities.
In response to the escalating crisis, the United States issued a warning to Israel, threatening to cut off military aid if the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza is not increased within the next 30 days. The U.S. has been a significant provider of military aid to Israel, with nearly $18 billion allocated since the onset of the conflict.
The international community continues to monitor the situation in Gaza closely, urging all parties involved to prioritize the well-being of the civilian population and ensure unimpeded access to essential resources. As the conflict persists, efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and prevent further suffering remain paramount.
