Gaza on Brink of Famine: WFP Official Warns of Imminent Crisis as Aid Deliveries Falter
The Gaza Strip is at risk of experiencing famine conditions within the next six weeks, according to the World Food Programme (WFP).
Gian Caro Cirri, Geneva director of WFP, stated that the region could surpass thresholds of food insecurity, malnutrition, and mortality, leading to a famine situation.
A UN-backed report published in March warned of imminent famine in northern Gaza, which could spread across the enclave by July.
A US official also recently stated that the risk of famine in Gaza, particularly in the north, is very high.
The warning was made at the launch of a report by the Global Network Against Food Crises.
The Middle East and Africa region's outlook for 2024 is described as extremely concerning in a network's report due to the ongoing Gaza war and limited humanitarian access.
The conflict in Gaza makes it difficult for aid organizations to reach affected people, and the situation is expected to worsen without a significant increase in assistance.
The United Nations has expressed concerns over obstacles in delivering aid to Gaza in the past six months, while Israel denies hindering humanitarian aid and blames distribution inefficiencies on aid agencies.
A military campaign in Israel since October 7, initiated by Hamas storming into southern Israel, has resulted in a humanitarian disaster in the territory of approximately 2.3 million people.
The situation has progressed to the brink of famine in Gaza, according to Cirri.
People are selling their belongings to buy food and many are dying of hunger.
Immediate and daily food supply deliveries are necessary to prevent a full-blown famine.