2024-11-09 08:32:00
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Experts warned Friday that famine was likely imminent in parts of northern Gaza where Israeli forces are launching a major offensive.
Experts have sounded the alarm, stating that the humanitarian situation across Gaza is “extremely serious and rapidly deteriorating”, with the situation even more severe in the north.
The United Nations Famine Review Committee warns that “the famine threshold may have already been breached or may be breached in the near future.”
The committee’s four independent experts are part of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), which consists of 15 United Nations agencies and other organizations that monitor global hunger and food security.
Experts say all parties involved in the war in Gaza must take immediate action “in days, not weeks…” to prevent and mitigate this catastrophic situation.
They say this includes not only those who are fighting – Israel, Hamas and other rebel groups – but also those who have influence over them.
Cindy McCain, executive director of the United Nations World Food Program (WFP), tweeted after the alert: “An unacceptable situation has been confirmed: famine may be occurring or imminent in northern Gaza .
“Immediate measures must be taken to ensure the safe, rapid and uninterrupted flow of humanitarian and commercial supplies to prevent a total disaster. Now,” he said.
Previously, a report released by the International Finance Corporation analysis team on October 17 showed that Palestinians across the territory face severe food insecurity. This is the emergency level, or stage four, on the five-level hunger classification system. He said 133,000 people have been identified as facing catastrophic food insecurity, which is stage five, along with famine.
Experts say the ICF team conducted a risk assessment and concluded that it is reasonable to predict that, in the worst-case scenario, the entire Gaza region is at risk of famine between November 2024 and April 2025.
The committee said there had been a series of significant developments since the report was released: Israel’s offensive essentially isolated northern Gaza for a month, and more aid was delivered last month than at any time since the war began in October 2023. less, and in fact access to food has reached “critical levels and is deteriorating”.
COGAT, the Israeli military agency responsible for managing the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, said it was preparing to open a new aid crossing into Gaza as next week marks the end of a deadline set by the United States for Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza. the term. Gaza, otherwise military aid may be restricted.
But COGAT did not say when the crossing would open or whether aid would be delivered to northern Gaza.
The United States says Israel must allow at least 350 trucks a day to deliver food and other supplies. According to COGAT, an average of 57 trucks entered Gaza per day in October and 81 trucks per day in the first week of November. The United Nations provides lower figures: 37 trucks per day since October.
Before the war, the average income was 500 trucks a day, said Jean-Martin Bauer, director of food security and nutrition analysis at the World Food Programme.
“Essential inputs in Gaza have really been reduced, and the consequence is that northern Gaza is very food insecure and famine is imminent,” Power told the AP. “The message is: act now, allow aid in, allow aid projects and Humanitarian workers do what they need to do to help people.”
The Famine Review Committee noted that people have fled and been trapped in the north, food prices are extremely high and there have been more attacks on health and nutrition services and other civilian infrastructure in recent weeks, including the detention of medical personnel by Israeli forces.
He called for a new analysis by the CIF, saying “it has become absolutely clear that the worst-case scenario envisaged by the analysis team is now happening in the northern Gaza Strip.”
“Hunger, malnutrition, and excess mortality from malnutrition and disease can therefore be considered to be rapidly increasing in these areas,” he noted. “The famine threshold may have already been breached, or it may be so in the near future. was breached.”
Famine is caused by extreme lack of food, starvation, homelessness, severe acute malnutrition (including at least 30% of children) and death.
The committee called for immediate action to end the Israeli offensive in northern Gaza, allow unhindered access to food, water, medical and nutritional supplies throughout Gaza, repair medical and health infrastructure, and release health personnel.
Experts warn that the lack of response in the coming days will lead to a further deterioration of the humanitarian situation and inevitably lead to more deaths.
“If effective measures are not taken by influential parties, the magnitude of this looming disaster could dwarf everything that has happened in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023,” the committee warned.
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This story was translated from English by AP editors with the help of generated artificial intelligence tools.
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**Interview with Jean-Martin Bauer, Director of Food Security and Nutrition Analysis at the World Food Programme**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Jean-Martin. With the situation in Gaza deteriorating and warnings of imminent famine, what are the key factors contributing to this crisis?
**Jean-Martin Bauer:** Thank you for having me. The key factors contributing to the crisis in Gaza include ongoing conflict, restrictions on the flow of essential supplies, and a significant loss of income and infrastructure. The blockade and military operations have led to severe disruptions in food delivery and access to basic necessities, which has driven food insecurity to catastrophic levels.
**Editor:** You mentioned that humanitarian access is critical yet seems to be limited. What are the current challenges faced by humanitarian organizations trying to provide assistance?
**Jean-Martin Bauer:** The primary challenges include logistical hurdles, such as restricted access points for aid delivery and insecurity on the ground. The conditions in northern Gaza are especially concerning, where many areas remain completely isolated from humanitarian support. While there have been recent increases in aid deliveries, they are still woefully inadequate compared to the actual needs, with only a fraction of the required daily supplies reaching the region.
**Editor:** Experts have indicated that immediate action is necessary. What specific actions do you believe should be prioritized to prevent a full-scale famine?
**Jean-Martin Bauer:** Immediate measures must include increasing the volume and accessibility of humanitarian aid. This means not only allowing but facilitating the entry of at least 350 trucks a day, as recommended by the United States. Additionally, parties involved in the conflict must prioritize civilian safety to allow humanitarian workers to operate effectively. We also need to establish safe pathways for aid distribution to ensure that it reaches those most in need, especially in hard-hit areas of northern Gaza.
**Editor:** The United Nations Famine Review Committee suggested the famine threshold may have already been breached. What does this mean for the people in Gaza, and how can the international community respond?
**Jean-Martin Bauer:** Breaching the famine threshold indicates that conditions have reached a point where lives are at immediate risk due to lack of food. This means that thousands, if not millions, are facing starvation. The international community must respond urgently with both financial support and political pressure to ensure that humanitarian corridors are opened and that aid can flow freely. Additionally, diplomatic efforts should focus on a ceasefire to allow for a more sustainable humanitarian response.
**Editor:** In your opinion, how can we ensure that lessons are learned from this crisis for future humanitarian interventions?
**Jean-Martin Bauer:** It’s crucial that we analyze the systemic failures that led to this situation. Future responses should prioritize building resilient systems that can withstand conflict and ensure continuous access to food and nutrition. Moreover, it’s essential to engage local communities in planning and executing these interventions, as they understand their needs best. Accountability mechanisms should also be established to ensure humanitarian laws are respected in conflict situations.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Jean-Martin. It’s a complex situation, and we appreciate the work you and others are doing to address this humanitarian crisis.
**Jean-Martin Bauer:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these crucial issues. Together, we can help bring attention to the plight of those in Gaza and work towards a solution.