As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen, international aid organizations are increasingly calling for immediate action to alleviate the dire situation. Long after a ceasefire was established, reports from the United Nations reveal that the nutritional needs of the population remain alarmingly unmet, with only a fraction of the necessary aid arriving in the beleaguered territory. Understanding the intricate context and urgent need for support is essential to grasp the broader implications and responsibilities of the global community.
The hunger crisis in Gaza remains “catastrophic” two weeks after the ceasefire took effect, as warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO) escalate regarding the dire conditions faced by the population. International aid groups have reiterated their demands for Israel to cease blocking humanitarian deliveries, crucial for meeting the basic needs of residents grappling with severe food shortages.
Reports indicate that supplies entering the besieged enclave are failing to meet nutritional requirements. The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) has underscored that the influx of aid is far below the daily target of 2,000 tonnes necessary to fulfill the basic dietary needs of Gazans; currently, only about 750 metric tonnes of food are being delivered daily through the two operational crossings into Gaza.
The UN has highlighted that at least a quarter of Gaza’s population, including approximately 11,500 pregnant women, is experiencing malnutrition. The consequences of this crisis, they warn, will extend for generations, particularly affecting newborns. Data from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) illustrates that 70% of newborns are now premature or underweight, a significant rise from just 20% prior to October 2023. These concerning statistics point to a potential long-term crisis resulting from malnutrition, which will likely place increased burdens on healthcare systems in the future.
A famine was previously declared in Gaza City and its surroundings in August 2023, affecting over 500,000 people who were living under “catastrophic conditions.” The ceasefire, which took effect on October 10, was intended to facilitate a substantial increase in humanitarian aid. However, the operational limitations at Israeli-controlled crossings have severely hampered relief efforts.
Director of External Relations at the Palestinian NGO PARC, Bahaa Zaqout, lamented the situation, noting that while some less essential items, like biscuits and sodas, have been permitted entry, vital nutritional supplies such as seeds and olives remain restricted. The cost of basic food items has skyrocketed, with tomatoes rising from one shekel to about 15 shekels (approximately .50), making sustenance even more unattainable for many families.
In an open letter issued this week, 41 aid organizations—including Oxfam and the Norwegian Refugee Council—expressed their serious concerns, accusing Israel of arbitrarily denying numerous aid shipments. Between October 10 and 21, 99 requests made by international NGOs for aid deliveries were rejected, alongside six denials from UN agencies.
Furthermore, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently ruled that Israel has a responsibility to ensure the basic needs of the Gazan population are met. Past accusations have indicated that withholding humanitarian assistance constitutes a breach of international law.
Despite some recent aid being allowed into Gaza, humanitarian groups assert that far more is required to address the crisis effectively. They emphasize the need for immediate and unrestricted access, urging Israeli authorities to adhere to international humanitarian law as well as the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
As the conflict has escalated, the toll on the population continues to rise, with Palestinian health authorities reporting that over 68,280 have perished and 170,375 have been injured since October 2023. Meanwhile, the tragic October 7 attack by Hamas on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,139 individuals, further complicating the humanitarian landscape.
The urgency of resolving this crisis cannot be overstated, and it calls for increased international cooperation and responsibility to ensure the well-being of the affected populations. #WorldNews #MiddleEastNews