This urgent call for action comes amidst a protracted conflict between Israel and Hamas, further exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation within the besieged territory.
UNRWA Chief Philippe Lazzarini, taking to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, emphasized the gravity of the situation, dubbing it a "man-made disaster." He emphasized the crucial role of political will in facilitating unrestricted access for critical relief efforts, stressing that "famine can still be avoided" if genuine commitment exists.
This warning echoes the growing concerns of numerous humanitarian organizations witnessing firsthand the devastating consequences of the ongoing conflict on ordinary Gazans. The UN previously issued an ominous prediction of widespread famine within Gaza, while the World Food Program recently painted a bleak picture, describing "unprecedented levels of desperation."
Lazzarini, facing pressure following Israeli claims of UNRWA personnel involvement in Hamas' October attack that triggered the war, highlighted the significant delay in delivering food assistance to northern Gaza. The last UNRWA aid delivery in the region occurred over a month ago, on January 23rd, further exacerbating the already existing hardships.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) echoed Lazzarini's concerns, emphasizing the "extremely critical" situation unfolding in northern Gaza. The organization also expressed growing anxieties regarding the deteriorating conditions in the south, raising fears of a humanitarian catastrophe encompassing the entire territory.
Local authorities have reported heartbreaking news of recent child deaths attributed directly to malnutrition. The Gaza health ministry has placed the current death toll from the Israeli military offensive at a staggering 29,692, with women and children comprising the majority of casualties.
In contrast, Hamas' attacks on Israeli border communities and military installations resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,160 individuals, primarily civilians.
Amidst the dire situation, local residents have resorted to consuming unfit food sources, such as rotten corn and animal feed, to survive. However, even these meager resources are rapidly dwindling, leaving the population facing an uncertain future.
The UN's stark warning serves as a critical wake-up call to the international community. Urgent action is needed to ensure unhindered access for vital humanitarian aid deliveries and alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire of the conflict. The collective failure to address this pressing issue could result in a catastrophic famine, with devastating consequences for the millions of Palestinians residing in Gaza. (ILKHA)
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