Gaza on brink of famine as Israel blocks north

The Gaza Strip is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with the entire population at risk of famine due to acute food insecurity. Israel’s siege on the north of the region has exacerbated the situation, with no aid entering since October 1st. This has led to a severe shortage of food, water, fuel, and medical supplies, putting residents in northern Gaza in danger of famine.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reported that 1.84 million people in Gaza are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity, including 133,000 in catastrophic conditions. The number of people facing catastrophic hunger is expected to triple in the coming months, with almost two million people classified in crisis levels or above.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk described the situation as “beyond terrifying,” attributing it to decisions made by Israeli authorities. While some food aid has been allowed in, humanitarian access has been shrinking, raising concerns of a looming famine across the entire Gaza Strip. The Israeli military’s actions in northern Gaza have intensified the crisis, with residents facing hunger and limited supplies. Urgent measures are needed to prevent a catastrophic humanitarian disaster in Gaza.