Gaza: UN warns of impending famine, flays Israel for “weaponising hunger”
The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Philippe Lazzarini has warned of an impending, “man-made” famine in northern Gaza, accusing Israel of “weaponising hunger” in its military campaign against the region.
“Famine is likely happening in northern Gaza,” he wrote in a recent post on X, underscoring the dire state of food access in the Palestinian enclave.
“This deprives people in Gaza of the basics, including food to survive,” Lazzarini stated, calling attention to the critical shortage of resources.
Despite some aid trickling in, he noted that it remains grossly inadequate. An average of “just over 30 trucks per day” are currently entering Gaza, which is “just over six per cent of the daily needs” for the population.
The UN-backed Famine Review Committee recently issued its own warning, stating there is “an imminent and substantial likelihood of famine occurring” in northern Gaza.
The warning reflects the humanitarian impact of intensifying hostilities and a near-total halt to food aid, exacerbating the already severe shortages in Gaza.
As aid remains insufficient, Lazzarini’s comments highlight the critical need for international attention to the worsening crisis. The specter of famine looms large, underscoring the urgency of restoring consistent and adequate humanitarian aid to avert widespread starvation in the affected areas.
