Experts in food security have expressed their growing concern over the imminent threat of famine in the northern regions of the Gaza Strip. In a recent statement issued by the Famine Review Committee (FRC) of the Integrated Phase Classification, the extreme seriousness of the humanitarian situation, which continues to deteriorate at an alarming rate, was highlighted.
The urgent call to action underscores the need to intervene “within days, not weeks,” to prevent what could become an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe. Cindy McCain, director of the World Food Programme (WFP), emphasized that “the unacceptable is confirmed” and urged the adoption of immediate measures to allow a safe and accelerated flow of humanitarian and commercial supplies to the region.
Jean-Martin Bauer, director of Food Security and Nutrition Analysis at the WFP, pointed out that the current crisis is being driven by massive population displacements, reduced inflow of commercial and humanitarian goods to Gaza, along with the devastation of critical infrastructure and health services. A worrisome indicator is the “drastic reduction in the number of trucks entering Gaza,” which has decreased from approximately 200 trucks daily during the summer to just 58 by the end of October, with most of them carrying humanitarian aid.
This situation has led to an exorbitant increase in food prices, which have doubled in recent weeks and are now ten times more expensive than before the conflict began. This increase underscores the urgent need for the world to focus its attention on Gaza.
The FRC has urged all actors with influence in the crisis to take immediate action to prevent the imminent humanitarian catastrophe. Parties to the conflict are requested to allow urgent entry of food, water, medical supplies, and other essential items into Gaza. It is also required to lift the Israeli blockade in the northern areas and cease attacks on medical and civilian facilities.
Failure to act in the coming days could result in a worsening of the humanitarian crisis, leading to the loss of more civilian lives that could have been prevented. If the parties involved do not implement effective measures, it is expected that the magnitude of the catastrophe will be greater than any event previously recorded in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023.
via: MiMub in Spanish