Famine is now unfolding in Gaza, UN-backed experts say

'This is unlike anything we have seen in this century'

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Initiative (IPC) — who work with the UN to gauge and monitor malnutrition levels — have said: "The worst-case scenario of famine is now unfolding in the Gaza Strip.

“Mounting evidence shows that widespread starvation, malnutrition, and disease are driving a rise in hunger-related deaths.” 

They add that the only way to stop the “rapidly rising levels of starvation and death” is through “immediate, unimpeded” humanitarian access to Gaza. 

Israel has faced increasing global pressure over the past few weeks for its military action in the Gaza Strip, with charities saying the nation’s refusal to allow aid to enter the area has led to severe malnutrition amongst Gaza’s civilian population.  

While Israel announced this weekend that they would cease military operations for 10 hours each day to allow aid to enter, the UN have called these attempts a “drop in the ocean” compared with what is necessary to save the civilian population from famine.

The IPC alert also says: “Latest data indicates that famine thresholds have been reached for food consumption in most of the Gaza Strip and for acute malnutrition in Gaza City.”

Ross Smith, the UN World Food Programme Director of Emergencies has called on the international community to take immediate action to prevent any further loss of life: “It's clearly a disaster unfolding in front of our eyes, in front of our television screens. 

“This is not a warning, this is a call to action. This is unlike anything we have seen in this century.” 

According to The Independent, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has responded to the IPC warning by convening an emergency cabinet meeting where ministers will discuss a peace plan and aid for Gaza.

The UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy also spoke recently on the crisis in Gaza.

Last week, Lammy responded to reports that 93 Palestinian people had been killed by IDF forces while queuing for humanitarian aid, saying he was “appalled, sickened” by the scenes, while The Guardian have reported that the Foreign Secretary's office would initiate new sanctions on Israel if the war does not end soon.

The IPC famine warning comes as the UK government are facing increased pressure to follow France in officially recognising a Palestinian state.

A letter calling on Keir Starmer to initiate the change has been signed by more than 250 MPs.

The British MP addressed those calls in a statement he made on Friday.

It reads: "The appalling scenes in Gaza are unrelenting. The continued captivity of hostages, the starvation and denial of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, the increasing violence from extremist settler groups, and Israel’s disproportionate military escalation in Gaza are all indefensible.

"Alongside our closest allies, I am working on a pathway to peace in the region, focused on the practical solutions that will make a real difference to the lives of those that are suffering in this war.

"That pathway will set out the concrete steps needed to turn the ceasefire so desperately needed, into a lasting peace.

"Recognition of a Palestinian state has to be one of those steps. I am unequivocal about that. But it must be part of a wider plan which ultimately results in a two-state solution and lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis. This is the way to ensure it is a tool of maximum utility to improve the lives of those who are suffering – which of course, will always be our ultimate goal."