‘Looming Disaster’: Experts Warn of Severe Famine Risk in Northern Gaza

The Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) Famine Review Committee (FRC) has issued an urgent warning about the dire humanitarian conditions in northern Gaza, emphasizing that the situation is rapidly deteriorating and could reach catastrophic levels within days.

“Immediate action is required—within days, not weeks—by all parties directly involved in the conflict or those with influence over its direction to prevent and mitigate this humanitarian disaster,” stated the IPC.

Grave Humanitarian Crisis Confirmed

Reacting to the crisis alert, Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), described the situation as deeply alarming, calling it “unacceptable.” In a post on X, McCain urged for immediate measures to ensure the safe, rapid, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian and commercial supplies to the region, warning of an impending catastrophe.

Jean-Martin Bauer, WFP’s Director of Food Security and Nutrition Analysis, highlighted the factors exacerbating the crisis. Speaking to UN News, Bauer pointed to large-scale displacement, a severe reduction in commercial and humanitarian supplies entering Gaza, and significant damage to critical infrastructure and healthcare facilities.

“There has been a drastic decline in the number of trucks entering Gaza,” Bauer explained. “In late October, only 58 trucks per day were arriving, compared to nearly 200 trucks daily during the summer. Most of these were providing humanitarian assistance, far from meeting the enclave’s needs.”

Soaring Food Prices

The reduced flow of supplies has caused food prices in northern Gaza to surge dramatically. Bauer noted that food prices have doubled in recent weeks and are now nearly ten times higher than they were before the conflict began.

“This alarming situation serves as a stark reminder to the global community that Gaza needs urgent attention and decisive action,” Bauer stressed.

Call to Avert a Humanitarian Catastrophe

The FRC has called for immediate intervention from all stakeholders who can influence the situation to prevent further escalation of the human suffering in Gaza.

Their recommendations include:
– Allowing the entry of food, water, medical supplies, and other essential goods into Gaza immediately.
– Lifting the Israeli siege on northern Gaza.
– Ending attacks on health facilities and civilian infrastructure.
– Ensuring medical facilities are resupplied and enabling detained health workers to resume their duties.

The Committee warned that failure to act within the next few days will exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, leading to avoidable civilian deaths.

“If stakeholders with influence fail to respond effectively, the scale of this impending disaster is likely to surpass anything witnessed in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023,” the FRC cautioned.

This stark warning underscores the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to alleviate the humanitarian suffering in Gaza and prevent further tragedy.