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UN Humanitarian Chief Calls for Immediate Cessation of Hostilities in Gaza

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The United Nations humanitarian chief has emphasized the urgent need for a sustained cessation of hostilities in Gaza to prevent further loss of life and the spread of famine. With over half a million people currently facing starvation, the situation is expected to worsen by the end of September, with up to 640,000 people at risk of famine. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Famine Review Committee has confirmed that famine is occurring in Gaza and is projected to expand to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis cities by the end of September.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 550,000 people in Gaza are currently facing starvation, with the number expected to rise to 640,000 by the end of September.
  • Famine is confirmed to be occurring in Gaza and is projected to expand to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis cities by the end of September.
  • Approximately 1 million people are in IPC Phase 4, and over 390,000 are in IPC Phase 3.
  • Virtually no one in Gaza is untouched by hunger, with 132,000 children under the age of 5 expected to suffer from acute malnutrition between now and mid-2026.
  • The number of children at risk of death from malnutrition has tripled to over 43,000, and the number of pregnant and breastfeeding women at risk is predicted to surge from 17,000 to 55,000.
  • The UN humanitarian chief has called for an immediate, sustained cessation of hostilities in Gaza to prevent further loss of life and the spread of famine.

Statistics:

  • 550,000 people in Gaza are currently facing starvation.
  • The number of people at risk of famine is expected to rise to 640,000 by the end of September.
  • 1,000,000 people are in IPC Phase 4.
  • 390,000 people are in IPC Phase 3.
  • 132,000 children under the age of 5 are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition between now and mid-2026.
  • 43,000 children under the age of 5 are at risk of death from malnutrition.
  • 17,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are at risk of malnutrition.
  • 55,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are predicted to be at risk of malnutrition by the end of September.

Sources:

  • [Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator]
  • [Joyce Msuya, Deputy of Tom Fletcher]
  • [Xinhua, "UN humanitarian chief calls for immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza"]
  • [COMTEX, "UN humanitarian chief calls for immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza"]
  • [Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Famine Review Committee]

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