UN relief chief warns of 'imminent famine' in Gaza, condemns international inaction

By Merve Aydogan

TORONTO, Canada (AA) – UN Humanitarian Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths on Monday warned of “imminent famine” in the besieged Palestinian enclave of Gaza and condemned the international community for its failure to prevent famine from unfolding.

"Famine is imminent in Gaza," Griffiths said, stressing that more than 1 million people are facing the risk of starvation due to the disruption of life-saving aid, the collapse of markets, and the destruction of agricultural fields.

Stressing that the "international community should hang its head in shame for failing to stop this," he urged the need to "flood Gaza with food and other life-saving aid."

"There is no time to lose," he said, renewing his call to "the Israeli authorities to allow complete and unfettered access for humanitarian goods."

"We know that once famine is declared, it is way too late. We also know that, with action and goodwill, it can be averted," he added.

Griffiths' remarks came following the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Initiative's (IPC) report indicated that in the most probable scenario, both North Gaza and Gaza Governorates are categorized as IPC Phase 5 (Famine) with substantial evidence. Approximately 70% of the population, equivalent to around 210,000 people, are estimated to be in IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe).

Israel has waged a deadly military offensive on Gaza since a cross-border incursion by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed nearly 1,200 people.

More than 31,700 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have since been killed in the enclave, and nearly 73,800 others injured amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities.

The Israeli war has pushed 85% of Gaza’s population into internal displacement amid a crippling blockade of most food, clean water and medicine, while 60%of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the ICJ. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.