In the beleaguered enclave of Gaza, a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding as the hunger crisis reaches dire proportions. Israeli attacks, coupled with a total blockade, have created a perfect storm, leaving the population teetering on the brink of famine. Let’s dissect the severity of the Gaza hunger crisis and examine the alarming risks it poses to the lives of its inhabitants; the specter of famine looms large, demanding swift and decisive intervention to prevent a catastrophic loss of lives in this already besieged region.
Gaza Hunger Crisis: A Closer Look
Weeks of restricted access to food have resulted in severe hunger, exacerbated by the damage inflicted on local bakeries, food warehouses, and critical transportation routes by Israeli attacks since early October. The blockade, designed to cut off the flow of essential supplies, has further compounded the crisis by restricting food, water, and fuel entry.
An Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report paints a grim picture, revealing that over 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million population is grappling with acute food insecurity. The report, released on Monday, indicates that 2.08 million people face “acute food insecurity,” categorized in the IPC’s crisis (phase three) or emergency (phase five) stages. The forecast is dire, projecting the entire population to fall under phase three or above between December and February.
Rapid Escalation of Hunger and Starvation
Families in Gaza are experiencing a rapid decline in both the quality and quantity of available food. Fuel shortages have added to the plight, making cooking meals a near-impossible task. The World Food Programme (WFP) reported in early December that nine out of 10 people in the enclave are skipping meals for extended periods, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Hunger has reached such levels that some have resorted to consuming raw meat just days after the brief truce concluded.
The decline in the number of trucks carrying food into Gaza is exacerbating the crisis. Since October 7, the monthly entry of food trucks has more than halved, falling from at least 10,000 trucks before the war. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reveals that, over the first 70 days of the conflict, only 10% of the necessary food for Gaza’s entire population entered the enclave. Immediate actions are needed to ensure the delivery of essential aid, repair damaged infrastructure, and alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s population.
Read more: UN Delays Vote on Gaza Aid as Biden Weighs US Position
