Daijiworld Media Network - Gaza

Gaza, May 12: A report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has raised alarming concerns about the critical food insecurity in Gaza, where 500,000 people are now facing the threat of starvation. According to the report released on Monday, Gaza’s 2.1 million residents are at severe risk after over a year and a half of devastating conflict, with many reliant on increasingly scarce supplies.

The IPC warned that, nearly 70 days after Israel's blockade halted essential supplies food, water, and medical aid Gaza’s situation continues to deteriorate rapidly. With key resources expected to run out soon, nearly 93% of the population is suffering from acute food shortages, and half a million people are directly threatened by famine.

"Conditions have worsened since the last IPC report in October, with a larger proportion of Gaza’s population now facing severe food insecurity," the report stated. It forecast that, without immediate intervention, widespread starvation could strike one in five residents between May and September, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.

Gaza's Ministry of Health reported that at least 57 people have already died from starvation, underscoring the gravity of the situation. With severe malnutrition expected to worsen, especially in the northern and southern parts of the Strip, the blockade is also causing mass displacement as families flee for survival.

The IPC highlighted the soaring food prices wheat flour prices have spiked by 3,000% since February, further pushing the population into despair. The report calls for urgent international action to end hostilities, allow unhindered humanitarian access, and protect civilians amidst the ongoing violence.

Since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023, Israeli forces have killed over 52,000 Palestinians and wounded nearly 120,000, deepening the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.