A UN-backed panel has declared that hunger is currently affecting northern Gaza, with over half a million people nearing starvation as the crisis escalates. This comes amidst ongoing conflict with Israel, which has imposed restrictions on food and aid. Recent assessments indicate that Gaza City faces the highest level of acute food insecurity, classified as Phase 5 hunger. This classification requires meeting several severe criteria, including high malnutrition rates among children and significant mortality rates.
The Integrated Food Security Stage Classification (IPC) system, established to systematically measure hunger crises, uses a five-phase scale to categorize food insecurity. Phase 1 indicates normal conditions, while Phase 5 signifies extreme hunger conditions leading to widespread malnutrition and mortality.
Despite the grim situation, experts stress that timely action can still alleviate the crisis, urging for cessation of hostilities and full humanitarian access. A hunger declaration is crucial as it compels governments and organizations to enhance aid, potentially leading to significant diplomatic ramifications. The need for urgent intervention is clear, as many individuals are already suffering from the impacts of hunger.
Source link
