UN warns of impending famine as Gaza crisis deepens
November 04, 2024 | United Nations, Federal
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In a recent statement, UNICEF's Catherine Russell reported that over 50 children have been killed in Jabaliya, Gaza, within just two days due to strikes on residential buildings. The humanitarian situation in the region remains dire, with limited access granted by Israeli authorities to areas like Jabaliya, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Lanun. This restricted access has hindered efforts to assess the conditions of civilians, raising concerns for their safety.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlighted that humanitarian supplies entering Gaza have significantly decreased since October, with private imports nearly banned. Currently, only three entry points are operational, and the routes to these points are fraught with danger, often unsafe due to ongoing hostilities and armed looting. Requests to deliver supplies to besieged areas in northern Gaza have been consistently denied.
The World Food Programme (WFP) warned that as winter approaches, the lack of food and essential supplies could lead to famine unless immediate action is taken. In October, the WFP managed to reach only 42% of the 1.1 million people targeted for food assistance in Gaza, providing reduced rations due to dwindling aid levels.
Meanwhile, in Lebanon, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported ongoing airstrikes by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) across the country, resulting in civilian casualties. Clashes between IDF and Hezbollah have intensified, with Hezbollah launching drones and rockets into Israel. The UN condemned the loss of civilian life and reiterated the need for all parties to adhere to international law.
UNIFIL premises have also suffered damage from nearby military operations, prompting calls for the protection of UN peacekeepers. The UN continues to advocate for a ceasefire and a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
On the humanitarian front, the UN has been active in Lebanon, delivering medical supplies and emergency kits to displaced individuals in various regions, including the Bor Shamali Palestinian refugee camp. However, the humanitarian situation in Lebanon has deteriorated, surpassing the severity of the 2006 war, with relentless attacks on healthcare facilities straining the already fragile health infrastructure. The World Health Organization reported that 110 healthcare workers have been killed on duty since October of last year, with numerous attacks on healthcare facilities reported over the past 13 months.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlighted that humanitarian supplies entering Gaza have significantly decreased since October, with private imports nearly banned. Currently, only three entry points are operational, and the routes to these points are fraught with danger, often unsafe due to ongoing hostilities and armed looting. Requests to deliver supplies to besieged areas in northern Gaza have been consistently denied.
The World Food Programme (WFP) warned that as winter approaches, the lack of food and essential supplies could lead to famine unless immediate action is taken. In October, the WFP managed to reach only 42% of the 1.1 million people targeted for food assistance in Gaza, providing reduced rations due to dwindling aid levels.
Meanwhile, in Lebanon, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported ongoing airstrikes by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) across the country, resulting in civilian casualties. Clashes between IDF and Hezbollah have intensified, with Hezbollah launching drones and rockets into Israel. The UN condemned the loss of civilian life and reiterated the need for all parties to adhere to international law.
UNIFIL premises have also suffered damage from nearby military operations, prompting calls for the protection of UN peacekeepers. The UN continues to advocate for a ceasefire and a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
On the humanitarian front, the UN has been active in Lebanon, delivering medical supplies and emergency kits to displaced individuals in various regions, including the Bor Shamali Palestinian refugee camp. However, the humanitarian situation in Lebanon has deteriorated, surpassing the severity of the 2006 war, with relentless attacks on healthcare facilities straining the already fragile health infrastructure. The World Health Organization reported that 110 healthcare workers have been killed on duty since October of last year, with numerous attacks on healthcare facilities reported over the past 13 months.
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