Israel’s ongoing conflict has created a dire situation in Gaza, where a recent report warns of “man-made” famine impacting many lives. This information, released by a United Nations-backed group, highlights the severe hardship Palestinians are facing amid continuous attacks, displacement, and health crises.
According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), nearly one-third of Gaza’s population could face famine conditions by the end of September. The situation in Gaza governorate is particularly alarming, with over half a million people trapped in a cycle of starvation and despair. Israeli actions have disrupted relief efforts, making it more challenging for those in need.
Michael Fakhri, the UN’s special rapporteur on the right to food, criticizes Israel for allegedly using hunger as a weapon, violating international law. He stated, “Israel has created an efficient starvation machine.” He argues that Israel aims to weaken and displace Palestinians through restrictions on food and aid.
Israel has disputed the IPC’s findings, labeling them as biased and driven by Hamas. Israeli officials maintain that they are facilitating more aid to Gaza, though relief agencies argue that ongoing military actions significantly hinder humanitarian assistance.
Data from the IPC suggests that the famine may expand to other regions within Gaza, affecting more than 641,000 people. The long-term outlook is grim, with projections indicating that at least 132,000 children under five may suffer from acute malnutrition by mid-2026.
To classify a famine, specific criteria must be met: extreme food shortages in households, high rates of acute malnutrition among children, and significant daily fatalities connected to starvation. Despite accusations from Israel that the IPC is lowering these thresholds, the IPC asserts that the standards applied are consistent with those used in other recent famine evaluations worldwide.
Human rights advocates emphasize that Israel’s attacks have devastated health services, making it difficult to fully document the scope of the suffering in Gaza. Reports indicate that 455 Palestinians have died from malnutrition or starvation, including 151 children.
Efforts to deliver aid are fraught with delays and bureaucratic barriers, which exacerbate the crisis. Medical professionals, like American surgeon Mohammed Khaleel, witness firsthand the desperation of families, worsening each day. Many risk their lives to retrieve aid, believing it might be as deadly to stay hungry as it is to face violence.
The agricultural landscape in Gaza has been severely impacted, with only 1.5% of farmland accessible or undamaged. This has drastically limited food production. Fakhri noted the strategic nature of these actions, suggesting they serve a broader goal of population displacement.
Arif Husain, chief economist at the World Food Programme, warns that the ongoing military campaign will further collapse an already fragile humanitarian infrastructure. He stresses the urgent need for a ceasefire, immediate access for aid, and support for local food systems to reverse the famine.
As the crisis persists, the call for international awareness and intervention becomes increasingly dire. The people in Gaza continue to face unimaginable struggles, caught in a conflict that has deeply affected their ability to survive.
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