Following the official confirmation of famine (IPC Phase 5) in the Gaza Strip’s administrative area by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) initiative, the aid organization Action Against Hunger is urgently calling for a ceasefire.
“An immediate ceasefire is critical to enable large-scale aid delivery and save lives. The famine must be stopped now” stated Vincent Stehli, Emergency Manager for Action Against Hunger.
Humanitarian access to Gaza remains severely restricted. Action Against Hunger, alongside other aid organizations, is critical of administrative obstacles hindering the import of essential supplies. “Given the existing famine, the current level of aid is wholly insufficient”. After nearly two years of displacement, airstrikes and disrupted supply lines, the population of Gaza is overwhelmingly reliant on humanitarian assistance. “Mothers and their children are particularly vulnerable” Stehli explained.
The IPC report indicates that the famine conditions could expand to include the districts of Deir al-Balah and Khan Yunis by the end of September. A staggering 641,000 people are currently facing acute food insecurity and risk of starvation, a number which encompasses a disproportionately high number of children.