Famine Crisis in Southern Gaza Amidst Restrictions
The humanitarian situation in the southern Gaza Strip has reached alarming levels, with reports indicating that famine is spreading due to severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli occupation. Families like that of Maysaa Hussein, who has not had bread for ten days, are struggling to find basic food items. Maysaa, a mother of four, lives in a shelter in Khan Younis and relies on charitable organizations for food, which is increasingly scarce due to restrictions and thefts of aid supplies.
Alaa Hussein, Maysaa's father, suffers from lung cancer and has been forced to rely on unhealthy canned food due to the lack of fresh produce and medication. He highlights the dire conditions faced by many, stating, “There is no other alternative.” The situation is exacerbated by the limited entry of humanitarian aid through the Kerem Shalom crossing, which is controlled by Israeli authorities. According to Amjad Shawa, director of the NGO Network, only 30 trucks of aid are allowed daily, meeting merely 5% to 7% of the needs of approximately 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza.
Impact of Aid Theft and Violence
The theft of humanitarian aid has further complicated the crisis. Reports indicate that gangs have been robbing aid trucks, with the occupation forces facilitating these thefts. This has led to a significant decrease in the availability of food, leaving tens of thousands of Palestinians without access to basic necessities. The market situation is dire, with limited supplies of vegetables and fruits available at exorbitant prices, making it nearly impossible for families to afford them.
Fatima al-Najjar, a 73-year-old displaced woman, shares her struggles with healing from injuries due to her displacement, exacerbated by a lack of nutritious food. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has suspended aid operations due to safety concerns, further deepening the humanitarian crisis. UNRWA's Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini has emphasized the need for Israel to ensure the safe flow of aid and protect humanitarian workers.
Urgent Call for Action
The situation in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly, with warnings from UN officials that famine has already begun in both northern and southern regions. Residents are increasingly dependent on flour, which is becoming unavailable, while other food supplies are prohibitively expensive. Lazzarini has called the current conditions “totally unacceptable” and warned of a potential collapse of the humanitarian system if the situation does not improve.
As the crisis unfolds, the international community is urged to take immediate action to address the humanitarian needs of the people in Gaza and ensure the protection of aid workers and supplies. Without urgent intervention, the lives of countless families hang in the balance.
