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Palestinian Arabs

Famine Grips Gaza's Largest City as Israel's War Rages On

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Gaza, a 22-year-old conflict zone, has now been declared a famine by the world's leading authority on food crises, affecting over 400,000 people, or one-fourth of the Palestinian population. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report has prompted aid groups and governments to intensify pleas for Israel to halt its offensive on Gaza, which has been ongoing since Hamas' attacks on October 7, 2023. Local hospitals have taken in new dead and wounded, with at least 25 people killed in Israeli strikes and shootings, including women and children.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 25 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed in Israeli strikes and shootings, according to local hospitals.
  • The IPC report states that nearly half a million people in Gaza, about one-fourth of the population, face catastrophic hunger that leaves many at risk of dying.
  • The Israeli military has been accused of firing warning shots towards aid-seekers, causing chaos and security problems on roads leading to aid deliveries.
  • The famine determination by the IPC has galvanized efforts towards a ceasefire, but mediation efforts have been put on hold as Israel prepares to seize Gaza City.
  • Nearly half a million people in Gaza, about one-fourth of the population, face catastrophic hunger that leaves many at risk of dying.
  • The IPC report states that hunger has been magnified by widespread displacement and the collapse of food production.
  • Israel has allowed airdrops and a new influx of aid entering by land, but aid agencies say the food reaching Gaza is still not nearly enough.
  • The Israeli military says they fire warning shots if individuals approach the troops or pose a threat to soldiers.
  • The IPC report is the first famine determination in the Middle East and a highly rare pronouncement by the group.
  • A recent blockade imposed by Israel banned food from entering Gaza, exacerbating the crisis.
  • Israel's ministry of foreign affairs has denounced the IPC report as "an outright lie'' and accuses Hamas of starving the hostages.

Statistics:

  • 400,000 people in Gaza face catastrophic hunger, according to the IPC report.
  • 25 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes and shootings, according to local hospitals.
  • 14 people were killed in Israeli strikes in the southern Gaza Strip, according to morgue records and health officials at Nasser Hospital.
  • 5 aid-seekers were killed in Israeli gunfire near the Zikim crossing with Israel, according to health officials at the Sheikh Radwan field hospital.
  • 6 people were killed in other attacks on Gaza, according to hospitals and the Palestinian Red Crescent.

Sources:

  • Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report
  • The Associated Press (AP)
  • The Israeli military
  • Doctors without Borders (MSF)
  • Nasser Hospital
  • Sheikh Radwan field hospital
  • The Palestinian Red Crescent

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