Humanitarian organisations have confirmed an official declaration of food insecurity at Gaza City, marking a alarming increase in the severity of the human-rights crisis. The announcement comes following several weeks of increasing evidence suggesting of food shortages which has put hundreds of thousands vulnerable to starvation.
The reports indicate the severe shortage of food and other essentials as well as ongoing conflicts and a lack of access to assistance delivery, have led to situations where families have to live without food or even no food. The rate of malnutrition among children has increased, and hospitals are being overwhelmed with cases of food-related illnesses.
The declaration of famine signals that the crisis has passed the internationally accepted thresholds for mortality or malnutrition. Aid staff warn that the crisis is likely to worsen if aid operations have more access and are secured.
International demands for urgent interventions are becoming more urgent. Human rights organizations and other organisations for humanitarian aid are urging immediately ceasefire corridors in order to facilitate the transfer of water, food, as well as medical equipment. If there is no urgent action, experts believe the death toll could rise dramatically in the next few weeks.
The current famine situation that is ravaging Gaza City underscores the human burden of a prolonged war and blockade. This adds the need for diplomatic action that aim to ensure peace as well as humanitarian aid. There are many families in Gaza, but it is uncertain whether they will survive since the conditions are getting worse every day.
