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Palestinian Arabs

Gaza's Famine Crisis: A Disaster Unfolding Amidst Genocide

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Gaza, a tiny coastal region, is slipping into famine amidst relentless conflict, mass displacement, and blocked humanitarian aid. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has reported at least 30 children have died of hunger since July 17, and over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023. The genocidal policy of mass starvation and killing continues unabated, with more than half a million people estimated to be in a stage 5 catastrophe.

Key Takeaways:

  • The IPC has confirmed that famine conditions are already in motion, with over 500,000 Palestinians in IPC Phase 5: starvation.
  • Acute malnutrition has quadrupled in Gaza City and crossed the famine threshold, with babies dying from hunger and dehydration.
  • The Israeli government has consistently denied starving Palestinians, blaming Hamas for intercepting aid, a claim that international aid agencies have found no evidence of.
  • Mothers4Gaza reports that medical care is "virtually non-existent" due to sustained Israeli attacks on the healthcare system, with hospitals bombed and medicines denied.
  • Pregnant women are giving birth without anesthesia, and children are dying from diarrhea and dehydration.
  • Two million civilians are under siege, with the Israeli government's policy of starvation and killing being broadcast in real-time.
  • The world is witnessing genocide, with South African movement Mothers4Gaza calling for international mobilisation and action.

Statistics:

  • At least 30 children have died of hunger since July 17.
  • Over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023.
  • More than half a million people are estimated to be in a stage 5 catastrophe.
  • 20,000 children have been treated for acute malnutrition between April and mid-July.
  • 3,000 severely malnourished cases have been reported in the same period.
  • Food insecurity and malnutrition have surged in July, with famine thresholds reached for food consumption in most of the Gaza Strip.

Sources:

  • Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC)
  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • UN World Food Programme (WFP)
  • South African movement Mothers4Gaza
  • Al Jazeera English
  • Youmna El Sayed, Al Jazeera English correspondent
  • Ayesha Bagus, Mothers4Gaza
  • Ross Smith, Director of Emergencies, UN World Food Programme

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