UN Warns Famine Risk in Gaza Increasing with Each Day of Fighting

22 December 2023

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has issued a warning about the critical food crisis in the Gaza Strip, with 79% of the population experiencing emergency conditions, according to the report from the global initiative "Integrated Food Security Phase Classification."

 

As per FAO's classification, the situation for the entire population of the Gaza Strip during the projection period (December 8, 2023 - February 7, 2024) is characterized as an acute crisis. The report highlights that the risk of famine in the enclave intensifies with each additional day of conflict and restricted access to humanitarian aid. The document states, "The extreme concentration or isolation of people in inadequate shelters or areas without basic services leads to the risk of famine."

 

Emphasizing the severity of the situation, the report points out that at least one in four households in Gaza, equating to more than half a million people, faces catastrophically severe food insecurity. FAO also draws attention to alarmingly high rates of acute malnutrition among children under the age of five and a significant increase in child mortality.

 

The escalation of the situation in the Middle East began after militants from the Palestinian movement Hamas infiltrated Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip on October 7. Israel responded with retaliatory strikes against the Palestinian enclave and parts of Lebanon and Syria. On December 1, the Israeli army accused Hamas of violating the truce in effect since November 24, announcing a resumption of fighting in Gaza. Palestinian authorities held the US responsible for the renewed Israeli aggression.

 

 

GSV "Russia - Islamic World"

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Based on materials from TASS