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In a recent development, a senior United Nations (U.N.) official accused Israel of obstructing humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip. The U.N.'s food chief also issued a stark warning, stating that a severe famine is gripping the northern part of the enclave, home to 2.3 million people.
While the situation has not been officially declared as a famine, Cindy McCain, the Executive Director of the World Food Programme, described the dire conditions on the ground as indicative of a "full-blown famine" in the north, with concerns that it may spread southward.
Israel has not yet responded to these accusations.
Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), echoed these concerns, accusing Israel of blocking U.N. aid access in Gaza. Lazzarini highlighted recent incidents, including shootings at aid convoys, arrests of U.N. staff, and delays at checkpoints, hampering humanitarian efforts.
Lazzarini also called on Hamas and other armed groups to cease attacks on humanitarian crossings, ensure aid reaches those in need, and prevent aid diversion.
The threat of famine has been looming in northern Gaza since March, with warnings that it could expand across the enclave by July. Famine is defined as at least 20% of the population facing extreme food shortages, with high rates of acute malnutrition and daily deaths from starvation or related causes.
U.N. officials emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that once a famine is officially declared, it is often too late to save many lives. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently stated that vulnerable populations in northern Gaza are already succumbing to hunger and disease.
The U.N. has criticized the lack of humanitarian access during the seven-month-long conflict between Israel and Hamas. Guterres stressed the need to prevent a man-made famine in northern Gaza.
Israel's military actions in Gaza are reportedly in response to an October attack by Hamas, which resulted in casualties and hostages. The conflict dates back to Hamas's takeover of Gaza in 2006, following Israel's withdrawal in 2005. Gaza remains designated as Israeli-occupied territory by the U.N.
As the occupying power, Israel is obligated to ensure the provision of food and medical care to the population, as well as facilitate the work of humanitarian organizations delivering aid, according to the U.N. human rights chief.