The United Nations announced on Friday that, while hunger has officially ended in the Gaza Strip due to increased humanitarian aid, food insecurity remains critical, with nearly one in eight people still affected. The situation is worsened by winter conditions, as many residents are living in temporary or substandard accommodations following significant damage to housing from two years of conflict.
Following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in October, Israel has allowed some aid to enter Gaza, but its delivery remains inconsistent. The UN’s Integrated Food Security Classification (IPC) reports no region in Gaza is classified as hungry, despite previously declaring famine in August due to severe restrictions on food aid.
While the IPC notes improvements in food security since the ceasefire, it warns of a looming crisis, with an estimated 1.6 million people potentially facing high levels of hunger in the coming months if the ceasefire falters. Israel denies allegations of famine and claims its aid policies are being misrepresented. Humanitarian organizations, including Oxfam, argue that significant aid is still being obstructed, leaving many people in dire conditions.
As conditions worsen, including reports of hypothermia deaths among infants, the peace process remains fragile, with ongoing negotiations requiring progress to move to a more stable arrangement in Gaza.
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