Urgent Alert: Food Security Experts Warn Gaza Faces Famine Without End to Israeli Blockade

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Experts warn that the Gaza Strip is on the brink of famine unless Israel lifts its blockade and halts military actions. Nearly half a million Palestinians are experiencing severe hunger, while another million are struggling to secure enough food. These alarming figures come from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a leading authority on hunger crises.

The blockade, now in place for over ten weeks, has prevented food, medicine, and essential supplies from reaching Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. This disruption has devastated local food production.

As food supplies dwindle, communal kitchens offering meals have become the last hope for many. However, they are quickly running out of stocks. People line up for hours, hoping to receive a portion of lentils or pasta. “We wait in the sun for hours, and often leave empty-handed,” shared Riham Sheikh el-Eid, who was at a kitchen in Khan Younis.

Chris Newton, an analyst with the International Crisis Group, emphasizes that suffering should prompt immediate action, regardless of any formal famine declaration. He notes, “The Israeli government is starving Gaza in an effort to undermine Hamas.”

The Israeli Prime Minister’s office had no comment on the matter. Israel claims the blockade aims to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages taken during the recent conflict, which has resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis and over 52,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

As calls for humanitarian access grow, experts like Mahmoud Alsaqqa from Oxfam argue that governments must urge Israel to allow aid. “Ignoring this manmade starvation is complicity,” he asserts.

Historically, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, which began in 2004, declares famine based on specific criteria. It has only done so a few times in recent years, including in Somalia and South Sudan. In Gaza, the current situation meets the first threshold, indicating that 22% of the population experiences catastrophic hunger.

Adding urgency to the situation, data from the U.N. shows that child malnutrition rates have doubled since February. More than 75% of Gaza’s farmland has been damaged, and two-thirds of vital irrigation wells are non-functional. “This destruction propels many closer to famine-level conditions,” warns Beth Bechdol from the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization.

The international community watches closely as the humanitarian crisis unfolds. Aid groups report that food distribution has nearly ceased, and skyrocketing prices make essential items unaffordable. Access to clean water is also becoming increasingly difficult due to fuel shortages. Without immediate intervention, the number of people facing starvation is expected to rise sharply.

For continuous updates, visit [AP News](https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war).

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General news, Israel, Israel government, 2024-2025 Mideast Wars, Famine, Gaza Strip, Humanitarian crises, Benjamin Netanyahu, War and unrest, AP Top News, World news, Religion, Beth Bechdol, Health, Water shortages, Mahmoud Alsaqqa, Blockades, Chris Newton