The northern Gaza Strip is on the brink of famine, with 70% of residents facing catastrophic hunger, according to a report issued on Monday. The international community’s authority on hunger crises warned that escalation of the conflict could push half of Gaza’s population to the brink of starvation. Aid deliveries by air and sea are criticized for being too slow and too small, with calls for more aid to be brought in through land crossings.
The European Union’s top diplomat called the impending famine “entirely man-made,” as starvation is being used as a weapon of war. Israeli forces launched a raid on the largest hospital in Gaza, claiming Hamas militants had regrouped there. Clashes ensued, with casualties reported.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report highlighted that nearly everyone in Gaza is struggling to access enough food, with almost a third of the population experiencing the highest level of catastrophic hunger. Famine is projected to occur in the north soon, with concerns that the death rate could accelerate to famine levels.
Calls for more aid to be brought in through all possible routes, including into northern and central Gaza, have been made. Israel denies placing limits on aid entering Gaza but has faced criticism for obstructing aid operations. The ongoing conflict and destruction of infrastructure have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.