October 19, 2024 : The World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization have highlighted in the latest Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) report that the risk of famine continues to threaten the entire Gaza Strip.
“There are increasing concerns that the worst-case scenario could become reality due to the recent surge in hostilities,” said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, during a daily briefing on Thursday.
Between September and October 2024, Gaza is categorized as being in IPC Phase 4 – Emergency. Around 1.84 million people in the region are facing severe food insecurity, classified in IPC Phase 3 – Crisis – or worse, with nearly 133,000 individuals experiencing catastrophic food insecurity, or IPC Phase 5.
Dujarric also reported that acute malnutrition levels have surged, now ten times higher than before the escalation in violence.
The report stated that nearly the entire population of Gaza has faced repeated displacement, risking death or injury from shelling and airstrikes. Many vulnerable groups are unable to evacuate or find safe refuge, according to Xinhua news agency.
“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the findings of today’s IPC report, which shows that high levels of displacement and limited humanitarian aid access have left the people of Gaza facing extreme hunger,” Dujarric added.
“One year into the conflict, famine is looming. This is unacceptable,” said Guterres, calling for the immediate reopening of crossing points, the removal of bureaucratic barriers, and the restoration of law and order to allow UN agencies to deliver critical humanitarian aid.
Meanwhile, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that ongoing Israeli military actions are putting tens of thousands of civilians in Gaza at severe risk. The office noted that the conflict has severely disrupted water, sanitation, and hygiene services, leaving essential systems for water production and wastewater collection non-functional.
The UN and humanitarian organizations are working to support Gaza’s water and sanitation services while preparing for winter and addressing the risk of flooding, OCHA stated.
Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported the successful completion of the second round of a polio vaccination campaign in central Gaza on Wednesday, with over 181,000 children vaccinated and more than 148,000 receiving vitamin A supplements. A new round of vaccinations is scheduled to begin in Gaza on Friday. (Agency)