Humanitarian crisis in Gaza: nearly half a million at risk of famine

Nearly half a million people in Gaza are at risk of famine, according to a report by the World Food Programme which indicates that nearly 96% of the population in this Palestinian territory faces high levels of acute food insecurity. The grave situation is exacerbated by the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, as well as restrictions on humanitarian access, which hinder the delivery of aid to the population, especially amidst the armed conflict. The report highlights that more than 495,000 people in Gaza are facing the most severe level of food insecurity, known as a "catastrophic" situation. This figure represents over a fifth of Gaza's population and underscores the extreme lack of food in households, leading to acute malnutrition in children and putting many lives at risk due to starvation. Despite a slight decrease in the number of people at risk compared to previous figures, the situation remains alarming. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, most households in Gaza have had to resort to extreme measures to acquire food, such as selling clothes or collecting and selling garbage. Over 20% of respondents reported going days without eating, reflecting the severity of the humanitarian crisis in the region. The United Nations World Food Programme highlighted that food deliveries and nutrition services in northern Gaza have helped alleviate the worst levels of hunger, but warned that the Israeli offensive in the city of Rafah and other recent events have led to a new deterioration in the food situation in recent weeks. The shrinking humanitarian space in Gaza and attacks on humanitarian workers have further hindered the delivery of assistance to the population. The conflict in Gaza has taken a heavy toll on human lives, especially among humanitarian workers who risk their lives to provide aid to those in need. The UN has expressed concern for the safety of these workers and has warned that it will suspend aid operations in Gaza if urgent measures are not taken to protect them from attacks and ensure a safe environment for the provision of humanitarian assistance. Children are among the most affected by the crisis in Gaza, with alarming numbers of children suffering amputations due to constant attacks and bombings in the region. According to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, on average, ten children lose one or both legs each day, reflecting the devastating impact of the conflict on the lives of the most vulnerable. Additionally, thousands of children are estimated to be missing or separated from their families as a result of the war. The situation in Gaza is critical and requires an urgent response from the international community to prevent an even greater humanitarian tragedy in the region. It is essential to ensure humanitarian access, protect aid workers, and end the armed conflict that has plunged Gaza's population into an unprecedented crisis. The lives and well-being of hundreds of thousands of people depend on the solidarity and coordinated action of all actors involved in seeking a peaceful and sustainable solution to the conflict in the region.