Gaza humanitarian crisis could develop into famine, WFP says

Reuters
Tue, October 29, 2024

FILE PHOTO: Palestinians gather to receive aid, in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip

GENEVA (Reuters) - The U.N. World Food Programmed called on Tuesday for immediate action to avert famine in the Gaza Strip, warning that the humanitarian crisis there could soon worsen amid what it said were severe restrictions on aid flows.

A global monitor warned this month that the whole of the Palestinian enclave remained at risk of famine, with Israeli military operations adding to concerns and hampering humanitarian access.

"Now, as the situation in northern Gaza continues to deteriorate, the likelihood of a larger group being impacted by famine will surely increase unless conditions on the ground improve," said WFP, the United Nations' food agency.

WFP said that it had approximately 94,000 tonnes of food standing by in Egypt and Jordan that could feed 1 million people for four months, but that could not bring it into Gaza because too few entry points were open and others were not safe enough.

Since Israel seized the Rafah crossing with Egypt in May - months after it began its offensive in Gaza following the Ham as-led attack on Israeli communities on Oct. 7, 2023 - all routes into Gaza have been controlled by Israel.

"Restrictions on humanitarian aid coming into Gaza are severe," WFP said, adding that only 5,000 tonnes had entered the Gaza Strip this month.

Other constraints that needed to be addressed to improve aid flows in Gaza include approval of trucks and truck drivers and delays at check points, it said.

(Reporting by Emma Farge, Editing by Friederike Heine and Timothy Heritage)

Humanitarian crisis in Gaza could escalate to famine

Jessi Turnure
Tue, October 29, 2024
DC News Now Washington



WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — The U.N. World Food Programme warned Tuesday the humanitarian crisis in Gaza could soon turn into a famine if restrictions on aid continue.

This comes after Israel passed two laws Monday that could stop a key U.N. agency from entering the area.

“We are deeply troubled by this legislation,” said Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department. “It poses risks for millions of Palestinians who rely on UNRWA for essential services.”

UNRWA provides food, water, health care and education to refugees amid the Israel-Hamas war, and Miller said no other agency can currently take over.

“The work is absolutely critical and irreplaceable in Gaza right now,” he said.

The Israeli laws will not take effect for months, but Miller said the U.S. could take action against its ally.

“There could be consequences under U.S. law and U.S. policy for the implementation of this legislation,” he said.

UNRWA called the new laws unprecedented.

“We are the backbone of the aid operation,” said John Fowler, a spokesperson for UNRWA. “That’s not just us saying that. All other agencies from the U.N. rely completely on our logistical platforms, our thousands of staff to be able to do their work.”

However, Israel accuses UNRWA of being “a terrorist front” for Hamas, saying some of its staff participated in the Oct. 7 attack and even more have militant ties.

“These are not aid workers,” said Danny Danon, the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations. “These are savages who have seized UNRWA Gaza and transformed it into a Hamas chapter. These heinous criminal scandals can no longer be swept under the rug.”

UNRWA fired nine workers after an investigation but denies it knowingly helps armed groups. The U.S. and other allies temporarily paused funding to the agency over the allegations.