WFP calls for urgent action as hunger soars to critical levels in Gaza

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Tuesday called for urgent action as hunger continues to soar to critical levels in the war-torn Gaza Strip.

WFP warned in a press statement “that the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza could soon escalate into famine unless immediate action is taken. As winter approaches, the lack of food and other vital humanitarian supplies entering the Strip will likely lead to catastrophic consequences.”

It recalled that “earlier this month, an Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report already warned that by November more than 90% of Gaza’s population will face severe food insecurity. It forecast that a large group would be in an “emergency phase” of need, while others would face “catastrophic” levels of food insecurity. Now, as the situation in northern Gaza continues to deteriorate, the likelihood of a larger group being impacted by famine will surely increase unless conditions on the ground improve.”

“Restrictions on humanitarian aid coming into Gaza are severe. During the month of October, only 5,000 metric tons of food have been delivered into Gaza, amounting to just 20% of basic food assistance for the 1.1 million people who depend on the U.N. World Food Programme’s lifesaving support,” the statement added.

“Meanwhile, Gaza’s food systems have largely collapsed due to the destruction of factories, croplands and shops. Markets are nearly empty as most commercial channels are no longer functioning,” it added.

WFP said that it currently has approximately 94,000 metric tons of food – enough to feed 1 million people for four months – ready to go to Gaza with 46,596 metric tons positioned in Ashdod port, Egypt and Jordan.

While WFP affirmed readiness to bring the urgently needed supplies into Gaza, it stressed the need for “more border crossing points to be open and for them to be secure.”

Source: WAFA