A day after the IPC declared that Gaza City is in the grip of a famine, at least 33 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes and gunfire. The area has been plagued by scarcity of food, with many sheltering in tents and seeking sustenance.
According to Oxfam’s Chris McIntosh, who spoke with John Yang earlier, the situation is dire due to the blockade imposed by Israel at the beginning of March. Very few trucks have brought in food, leaving people malnourished and gaunt. The IPC report emphasizes the need for immediate, large-scale humanitarian assistance.
The crisis has severe long-term health effects, including developmental problems for children who experience prolonged periods of malnutrition. As Chris McIntosh described, daily life in Gaza City is marked by desperation, with children rummaging through trash dumpsters to find scraps of food.
To address this crisis, Oxfam and other organizations are advocating for a ceasefire and unfettered access to supplies. However, the Israeli government has dismissed the IPC report as an “outright lie.” Despite the lack of aid, there is still significant funding and equipment available at the border, but it remains blocked from entering Gaza.
As Chris McIntosh emphasized, the situation demands urgent action from the international community to prevent further suffering and ensure a brighter future for the people of Gaza City.
Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/purely-in-survival-mode-aid-worker-shares-conditions-in-gaza-city-after-famine-declared