The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with the situation worsening as it spreads southward. While the famine in Gaza has not officially been declared, the executive director of the World Food Programme, Cindy McCain, believes that there is a full-blown famine in northern Gaza and it is spreading.
Israel’s relentless bombing campaign has caused widespread destruction and suffering in response to Hamas’ attack. The IDF’s bombing campaign has destroyed agricultural lands, critical infrastructure and large areas of housing. Thousands of people have been killed or are trapped under rubble, with women and children making up the majority of the casualties.
Despite the urgent need for humanitarian aid in Gaza, Israeli officials have continued to restrict aid shipments and subject deliveries to long delays at checkpoints. Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war, exacerbating the dire humanitarian crisis in the region.
In north Gaza, the situation is especially dire, with reports of people resorting to eating grass and animal feed to survive. The Gaza Health Ministry has reported at least 32 deaths due to malnutrition and dehydration, including 28 children. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has warned that it could take years to retrieve the bodies of those killed in the conflict.
The devastation in Gaza has been severe, with thousands of people killed or trapped under rubble due to Israel’s response to Hamas’ attack. Despite this, Israeli officials continue to restrict aid shipments and subject deliveries to long delays at checkpoints. This adds to the suffering of those already struggling to survive and threatens their lives further by worsening malnutrition rates in north Gaza
