Gaza Faces Starvation Crisis as War Continues
A report released by the United Nations (UN) on Thursday reveals a dire situation in Gaza, with over half a million people facing starvation due to a lack of food entering the territory since the outbreak of war over 10 weeks ago. The report, compiled by 23 UN and nongovernmental agencies, warns that if the conflict between Israel and Hamas persists and food deliveries are not restored, the population could face a full-fledged famine within the next six months.
Food Crisis in Gaza
According to the report, the entire population in Gaza is currently in a food crisis, with 576,600 people at catastrophic levels of hunger. The situation has been exacerbated by the destruction of hospitals and the lack of medical supplies and personnel. Relief workers have described scenes of unbearable suffering, with bedridden patients crying out for water, bodies lined up in hospital courtyards, and a severe shortage of doctors and nurses.
Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
The war between Israel and Hamas shows no signs of abating, with continued bombardment and fighting. However, with Gaza’s internet and communication networks cut off, it is challenging to confirm the latest developments. Israel claims to be in the final stages of clearing out Hamas militants from northern Gaza but expects months of fighting in the south. The conflict, which began with Hamas’ deadly rampage and hostage-taking in Israel, has resulted in the deaths of nearly 20,000 Palestinians and the displacement of over 1.9 million Gaza residents.
Impact on Food Supply
With supplies to Gaza severely limited, the World Food Program reports that 90 percent of the population regularly goes without food for an entire day. The situation worsened when a blast hit the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom crossing from Israel into Gaza, forcing the UN to halt aid pickups. Only nine out of Gaza’s 36 health facilities are partially functioning, and these are all located in the south. In the north, Israeli forces have raided health facilities, detaining staff and expelling others, leaving patients with minimal care and treatment options.
Desperate Situation in Hospitals
Ahli Hospital, one of the few remaining functional health facilities, has been described as “a place where people are waiting to die.” The hospital buildings have been extensively damaged, and patients are left without proper medical care. Patients with traumatic wounds are suffering from infections, while others have undergone amputations. The lack of resources means that patients have not changed their clothes in weeks, and they cry out for water due to dehydration.
International Efforts and US Involvement
Hamas continues to demonstrate its military capabilities by firing a large barrage of rockets at central Israel, causing air raid sirens to sound in Tel Aviv. The United States, while supporting Israel’s campaign, has called for a shift to more targeted operations aimed at Hamas leaders and the tunnel network. The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has stated that the conflict needs to move to a lower intensity phase. Meanwhile, UN Security Council members are negotiating an Arab-sponsored resolution to halt the fighting and increase humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.
Conclusion
As the war between Israel and Hamas rages on, the people of Gaza are facing a severe humanitarian crisis. With over half a million people on the brink of starvation and limited access to medical care, urgent action is needed to alleviate their suffering. International efforts must be intensified to bring an end to the conflict and ensure the delivery of essential supplies to Gaza. The world cannot stand idly by while an entire population faces the threat of famine.