Gaza: UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini has warned that famine is likely to occur in northern Gaza. Lazzarini’s comments came in a statement late last night, in which he described the situation as dire, adding, “Unfortunately, this is not surprising. Famine is likely to occur in northern Gaza.”
According to Emirates News Agency, the UNRWA chief noted that humanitarian aid entering Gaza is insufficient, with an average of just over 30 trucks a day, which amounts to only 6% of the daily food needs of the Palestinian population. “This is far from enough to meet the basic needs of the people in Gaza,” Lazzarini said.
He called for urgent action, including the political will to increase the flow of humanitarian and commercial supplies into Gaza and to ensure that aid convoys can enter northern Gaza regularly and without interruption. Lazzarini emphasized that there is still time to address the crisis, saying, “The time has not yet passed.”
On Friday, a report from the Fa
mine Review Committee, part of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), warned of a “strong likelihood” of imminent famine in northern Gaza. The committee, comprising senior international experts in food security, nutrition, and mortality, stressed the urgent need for action within days, not weeks, to prevent a catastrophic outcome.
The committee’s report stated that “the humanitarian situation in Gaza is extremely dire and deteriorating rapidly.” It urged all parties concerned to take immediate steps to avoid the looming famine.
