The United Nations has sounded the alarm on the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, with warnings of a “full-blown famine” taking hold in the region. The head of the U.N. food agency, Cindy McCain, highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that famine is already present in the north of the enclave and is spreading southward.
Israel has been accused of obstructing humanitarian access in Gaza, with U.N. officials pointing to incidents of shooting at aid convoys, arrests of U.N. staff, and delays at checkpoints. The U.N. Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) has called on Israel to allow aid to reach those in need and to stop hindering humanitarian efforts.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas has exacerbated the crisis, with a U.N.-backed report warning of imminent famine in northern Gaza. The U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the most vulnerable in northern Gaza are already suffering from hunger and disease.
As the occupying power in Gaza, Israel has a responsibility to ensure the provision of food and medical care to the population. The U.N. has urged Israel to facilitate the work of humanitarian organizations in delivering aid to those in need.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation in Gaza, with efforts being made to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. The U.N. is calling for immediate action to avert a full-blown famine and to ensure the well-being of the population in Gaza.