UN agency issues dire warning of ‘looming famine’ in Gaza

The head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) has issued a stark warning, indicating that Gaza is on the brink of famine due to significant challenges in delivering humanitarian aid to the region’s northern area. Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA chief, highlighted the critical situation on Monday, emphasizing the prolonged absence of aid deliveries to northern Gaza, extending beyond a month.

Lazzarini’s social media post on Saturday revealed the alarming lapse in food assistance, with the last distribution recorded on January 23. The delay in aid distribution has been attributed to logistical hurdles, with aid agencies asserting that Israel’s stringent procedures at border crossings have impeded the flow of essential supplies. However, Israeli authorities deny these accusations, as they prepare to address the International Court of Justice regarding measures taken to mitigate suffering in Gaza.

Despite urgent appeals for unhindered humanitarian access amidst ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas, efforts to facilitate aid distribution have been met with resistance or indifference. Lazzarini characterized the unfolding crisis as a “man-made disaster,” cautioning against the imminent threat of famine looming over the populace.

Recent data from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) underscores the severity of the situation, with approximately 500,000 individuals confronting famine conditions, while the entire population of Gaza, totaling 2.3 million people, grapples with acute food shortages. Tragically, reports emerged on Sunday of a two-month-old Palestinian infant succumbing to starvation, underscoring the urgency of the crisis.

Compounding the challenges are logistical impediments imposed by Israeli authorities, who control Gaza’s border crossings. UN agencies highlight the restrictive procedures and reduced truck traffic, significantly hampering aid deliveries. Additionally, right-wing Israeli demonstrators have obstructed aid convoys, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

The escalation of violence in southern Rafah has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with Palestinian police officers withdrawing from escort duties following fatal attacks. This security vacuum has resulted in a breakdown of civilian order, jeopardizing aid operations. Incidents of violence and looting have forced organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP) to suspend deliveries, citing safety concerns.

While Israel maintains that it is not obstructing aid deliveries, evidence suggests otherwise, with a significant decline in the number of aid trucks entering Gaza daily. Critics, including Human Rights Watch, accuse Israel of disregarding the ICJ’s mandate to facilitate humanitarian aid, exacerbating the suffering in Gaza. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has cautioned against further military escalation, emphasizing the devastating impact on aid efforts in the region.