Food security experts have issued a dire warning: Gaza faces a critical risk of famine unless Israel ends its blockade and military campaign. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification reports nearly half a million Palestinians are in "catastrophic" hunger, meaning possible starvation. Another million are at "emergency" hunger levels, highlighting the severe food insecurity gripping the territory.

For the past ten weeks, Israel has reportedly banned essential goods like food, shelter, and medicine from entering Gaza. This blockade coincides with ongoing airstrikes and ground operations. The 2.3 million residents of Gaza are heavily reliant on external aid for survival, as Israel's prolonged military campaign has decimated local food production capabilities.

The situation is desperate, with food supplies rapidly dwindling. Communal kitchens, once a lifeline, are shutting down due to lack of stocks. Palestinians endure hours-long waits for meager rations, often leaving empty-handed. Analysts emphasize that the absence of a formal famine declaration doesn't negate the reality of starvation and suffering inflicted by the blockade.

Israel asserts its blockade pressures Hamas to release hostages and demands a new aid distribution system under its control, accusing Hamas of diverting supplies. The UN refutes these claims, arguing the proposed system is unnecessary and could weaponize aid. The US is working on an alternative mechanism, but the UN has refused to participate, deeming it below humanitarian standards.

A recent report indicates that any progress made during a ceasefire has been reversed. Conflict, infrastructure collapse, agricultural destruction, and aid blockades have pushed nearly the entire Gazan population into high levels of hunger. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization warns that any delay in restoring aid flows brings famine closer, emphasizing the fundamental human right to food.

Source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2600405/middle-east