The UN warns of a descent into famine in Gaza as food insecurity worsens and aid access remains restricted.

The situation in Gaza has deteriorated to a critical level, with UN aid agencies issuing urgent warnings of an impending famine. A seven-year-old child suffering from severe acute malnutrition and dehydration was recently transferred to a field hospital in southern Gaza, underscoring the severity of the crisis. As Israeli military operations intensify across Gaza City, the humanitarian situation continues to worsen, with reports of preventable diseases on the rise due to dire living conditions.

Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, described the unfolding crisis as a “descent into a massive famine.” He emphasized the urgent need for a significant influx of food supplies into the Gaza Strip and their safe distribution. According to the latest assessment by the UN-backed IPC group of experts, 500,000 people are currently in the worst state of food insecurity, with an additional 160,000 expected to join them in the coming weeks. Laerke stressed that the entire Gaza Strip requires food, stating that famine would not have been declared had there been sufficient supplies.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also raised alarms about the growing risk of communicable diseases in Gaza. With 94 suspected cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome reported, the organization highlighted the lack of essential medical treatments. WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier noted that treatments such as intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange are completely unavailable, as are anti-inflammatory medications. These shortages are attributed to ongoing Israeli aid restrictions that hinder the entry of humanitarian supplies into Gaza.

Recent attempts to coordinate relief missions with Israeli authorities have faced significant obstacles. Between 20 and 26 August, out of 89 attempts, 53 were facilitated, 23 were initially approved but then blocked on the ground, seven were denied, and six had to be withdrawn by the organizers. The UN has expressed deep concern over the intensifying Israeli offensive on Gaza City, warning that it could have an even more devastating impact on civilians.

Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric highlighted the threat posed by Israel’s decision to halt daily tactical pauses in Gaza City, now designated a “dangerous combat zone.” These pauses had previously allowed some space for humanitarian action, but bombing was still observed in areas where such pauses had been declared. OCHA stressed that life-saving aid operations must be enabled, emphasizing the critical need for unrestricted access to deliver essential supplies and support to those in need.

Source: Read the original report