Following official confirmation from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) initiative of a famine (IPC Phase 5) in the Gaza Strip’s administrative area, the aid organization Action Against Hunger is urgently calling for a ceasefire.
“An immediate ceasefire is critical to enable the scale of aid needed to save lives. The famine must be stopped now” stated Vincent Stehli, Emergency Manager for Action Against Hunger.
Humanitarian access to Gaza continues to be severely restricted. Action Against Hunger, alongside other aid organizations, has voiced concerns regarding administrative obstacles hindering the import of essential supplies. “Given the current famine, the aid reaching those in need is wholly insufficient”. After nearly two years of displacement, aerial bombardment and disrupted supply chains, the population of Gaza is reliant on humanitarian assistance. “Mothers and their children are particularly vulnerable” Stehli emphasized.
According to the IPC report, the famine conditions are projected to extend to the districts of Deir al-Balah and Khan Yunis by the end of September. A total of 641,000 individuals are currently facing acute food insecurity and risk of starvation, with a significant proportion being children.
