Arif Husain, the Chief Economist of the World Food Programme, has underscored the urgent need for global action to prevent famine in Gaza, where almost the entire population of 2.3 million people is confronting severe food insecurity.
Drawing parallels, Husain pointed to the devastating famine in Somalia in 2011, during which a quarter of a million lives were tragically lost, as reported by the AP news agency.
“Half of those people died before famine was declared,” Husain told reporters on Tuesday, explaining that averting famine requires more than just food – it also requires clean water, sanitation, healthcare and medicine on a sustained basis.
Palestinians with special needs are among the most vulnerable victims of the Israeli blockade and starvation in Gaza, as ‘Israel’ prevents the entry of medication and essential nutrition tailored for their conditions, leaving many fighting for their lives.
Husain said the threat of famine in northern Gaza was averted because aid was able to get in, including commercial deliveries. Despite that, ‘Israel’ continues to tighten the grip on the north creating another famine.
In addition, there is now concern in southern Gaza where Israeli military operations are taking place and the main Rafah crossing from Egypt is closed, he said.
He added that if the UN and aid organizations have access to places where aid is needed, “we can improve this situation, but if we don’t have access, then it is not possible”.
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