A US-backed agency’s report warning of famine in northern Gaza has been removed from its website after criticism from the US Ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew. The report, published by the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), claimed a “famine scenario continues to unfold” in North Gaza Governorate, but Lew called it “inaccurate” and stated that the publication was “irresponsible.”
Lew’s criticism was sparked by what he deemed outdated population estimates, which claimed 65,000-75,000 civilians remained in the area. However, a US official later confirmed that the actual number is around 7,000-15,000.
FEWS NET removed the report on Tuesday night, citing “methodological limitations” and “outdated information.” The agency had received guidance from USAID to update its population estimates but chose not to include them in the report.
Source: https://jewishinsider.com/2024/12/jack-lew-israel-gaza-aid-usaid