Recently, the United Nations has raised an alarming concern regarding the situation in Gaza. According to a report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), Gaza is currently facing acute food shortages, putting the entire population at risk of famine if the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas persists. Approximately 25% of households in Gaza, which is equivalent to around 500,000 people, are already experiencing “catastrophic conditions”. The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) has emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian access to ensure the flow of supplies and the safe distribution of life-saving aid to civilians in Gaza.
The IPC report reveals that the quantities of essential commodities, including food, being allowed to enter Gaza are grossly insufficient. Despite the aid being brought in through trucks from Egypt and Jordan, it has been estimated that only 10% of the necessary food supplies are currently reaching the territory. This dire situation has prompted the UN Security Council to discuss the matter and propose a resolution for increased aid delivery to Gaza. However, the resolution has faced delays due to disagreements over its wording.
The United States, which initially expressed concerns about an earlier version of the resolution calling for a ceasefire, has now voiced its support for the latest draft. The revised draft aims to establish a mechanism to expedite aid delivery, involving relevant parties such as Israel. It also emphasizes the need to utilize all available routes for deliveries, without calling for an immediate cessation of the hostilities. The US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, has described the resolution as a “very strong” one, highlighting the backing it has received from the Arab group.
Meanwhile, the fighting in and around Gaza continues unabated. Accusations have been made by Hamas authorities that Israel attacked the Rafah crossing, resulting in the deaths of four people, including the director of the recently reopened Kerem Shalom crossing. Israel’s military has yet to comment on this reported incident. Talks in Egypt to negotiate a new truce, similar to the temporary pause in fighting achieved last month, have hit a snag. Hamas has declined to agree to a partial ceasefire in exchange for the release of some hostages, contending that the war must end before any further releases occur. Israel, on the other hand, has consistently rejected the idea of a permanent ceasefire, as it seeks to eradicate Hamas.
The gravity of the situation is compounded by the fact that over 240 Israeli hostages were captured when Hamas breached the heavily fortified perimeter with Israel on October 7th, leading to the death of 1,200 individuals. In the last truce, 110 hostages were released, but Hamas has stated that the number of people killed in Gaza during the 10 weeks of fighting has now surpassed 20,000. This ongoing crisis has left the people of Gaza living in constant fear of losing their lives, as they navigate through the chaos and devastation that surrounds them.
In light of these developments, it is crucial for international bodies, governments, and humanitarian organizations to take immediate action to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. The UN’s warnings of an impending famine should not be taken lightly, and every effort must be made to ensure the swift delivery of aid to the people of Gaza who are in dire need. Additionally, diplomatic efforts towards resolving the conflict and bringing about a lasting ceasefire should be intensified to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. The international community must unite to address this crisis and work towards a peaceful and sustainable resolution for the people of Gaza.
