Geneva [Switzerland]: Gaza is facing a dire humanitarian crisis, with 2.1 million people at risk of famine as the ongoing blockade severely hampers the delivery of essential aid, including food, medicine, and supplies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the situation has escalated into what is now being described as the world’s worst hunger crisis.
The WHO issued a statement on Monday, revealing that nearly half a million people in Gaza are already in catastrophic conditions, grappling with hunger, acute malnutrition, and starvation. The organization warned that the risk of famine is growing due to the deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid, further exacerbating the situation.
Key Points from WHO Statement:
📉 Catastrophic Hunger Situation:
The WHO and the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) partnership released an urgent food security report, highlighting that Gaza’s entire population is suffering from severe food shortages, with catastrophic hunger impacting nearly 500,000 people.
🚨 Immediate Crisis:
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, underscored that Gaza is already experiencing a hunger crisis, with people dying and falling ill while life-saving aid is just minutes away across the border. Ghebreyesus stressed that waiting for a formal famine declaration is unnecessary, as the people of Gaza are already in critical conditions, and the situation will continue to deteriorate unless humanitarian access is restored immediately.
Current Impact:
👶 Children and Vulnerable Populations Hit Hard:
Since the blockade started on March 2, 57 children have died from malnutrition, a figure that WHO believes is likely to be an underestimate. The situation is expected to worsen, with 71,000 children under the age of five projected to suffer from acute malnutrition over the next eleven months.
🤰 Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers at Risk:
The WHO also pointed out that pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are at high risk of malnutrition, with around 17,000 mothers expected to require urgent treatment. The shortage of nutritious food compromises breastfeeding, putting infants at heightened risk.
Urgent Call for Action:
- Immediate Aid Access: WHO calls for immediate access to food and essential supplies to prevent further deterioration.
- End of Aid Blockade: WHO has urged for the end of the blockade and the release of all hostages, as well as a ceasefire to allow the provision of life-saving resources to those in need.