Gaza Faces Full-Scale Famine as Hunger and Desperation Grow
The dire situation in Gaza has reached a critical point as the region faces a full-scale famine. The people of Gaza, already struggling with the effects of a partial blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt for the past 17 years, are now on the brink of starvation and dehydration. Displaced civilians and health workers in Gaza have shared their stories of hunger and desperation, highlighting the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict.
Hunger and Desperation in Gaza
Hanadi Gamal Saed El Jamara, a mother-of-seven from northern Gaza, finds herself begging for food on the streets of Rafah in southern Gaza. She tries to feed her children at least once a day while taking care of her husband, who is suffering from cancer and diabetes. El Jamara describes the deteriorating condition of her children, saying, “They are weak now, they always have diarrhea, their faces are yellow.” The situation is dire, with children living on the streets fighting over stale bread and others walking for hours in search of food.
The Impact of Israel’s Bombardment and Siege
Israel’s bombardment and siege since October 7 have severely diminished vital supplies in Gaza, leaving the entire population of 2.2 million people exposed to high levels of acute food insecurity. The Integrated Food Security and Nutrition Phase Classification (IPC) has classified the majority of Gazans at risk of starving as being in a state of famine. UN human rights experts have accused Israel of using food as a weapon against the Palestinian people.
The Struggle for Survival
Over the past 100 days, Palestinians in Gaza have faced mass displacement, destruction of neighborhoods, loss of lives, and a surge in deadly diseases. Starvation and dehydration have become major threats to their survival. El Jamara reflects on the situation, saying, “We are dying slowly… I think it’s even better to die from the bombs, at least we will be martyrs. But now we are dying out of hunger and thirst.”
The Devastating Impact on Children
The situation is particularly dire for children in Gaza. All 350,000 children under the age of five are vulnerable to severe malnutrition. Malnourished children have an 11-fold increased risk of dying compared to well-nourished children. Cases of diarrhea in children under the age of five have increased by 2,000% since October 7. Pregnant women are also at risk, with increased chances of miscarriage or premature birth.
Challenges to Food Distribution
The blockade and restrictions on aid deliveries have led to desperate shortages of food and water in Gaza. Limited access to electricity makes it impossible to refrigerate perishable goods, and living conditions are overcrowded and unsanitary. The distribution of aid is also a challenge, with reports of aid being resold for profit or missing items. The Israeli military has granted access to only a quarter of aid missions planned by humanitarian agencies, exacerbating the crisis.
The Urgent Need for Assistance
The situation in Gaza demands urgent action. Aid agencies such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) are calling for new aid entry routes, increased truck capacity, and fewer impediments to the movement of humanitarian workers. The destruction of agricultural land further exacerbates the crisis, making fresh produce scarce.
The Clock is Ticking
The needs of displaced civilians in Gaza far outweigh the amount of aid allowed into the region. The delivery of humanitarian assistance is extremely challenging due to the overwhelming needs on the ground. The clock is ticking for famine in Gaza, and immediate action is needed to prevent further suffering and loss of lives.
In conclusion, the people of Gaza are facing a full-scale famine as hunger and desperation continue to grow. The ongoing conflict, blockade, and restrictions on aid deliveries have exacerbated the situation, leaving the entire population at risk of starvation and dehydration. Immediate action is needed to address the urgent needs of the people of Gaza and prevent further loss of lives.