Humanitarian crisis in Gaza: Half a million at risk of famine

Nearly half a million people in Gaza are at imminent risk of experiencing famine, according to a report from the World Food Programme that reveals alarming figures about the extreme food insecurity situation facing the population in this Palestinian territory. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening due to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, which hinders humanitarian access and limits the assistance that can reach the population. More than 495,000 people in Gaza are in the most severe level of food insecurity, categorized as "catastrophic" by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification. Although this figure represents a decrease compared to previous forecasts, it is still concerning as it affects over a fifth of the population in Gaza, demonstrating the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis in the region. In households with catastrophic food insecurity, the extreme lack of food has led to situations of acute malnutrition in young children, risk of starvation, and deaths. The situation has been exacerbated by the need to sell belongings, collect and sell garbage, and even go days without eating. These extreme conditions endanger the health and lives of thousands of people in Gaza, especially children. Despite efforts to increase food deliveries and nutrition services in some areas of Gaza, such as the north, the situation remains dire throughout the territory. The Israeli offensive in Rafah and other recent hostilities have led to a new deterioration in recent weeks, further complicating the delivery of humanitarian aid and risking the lives of humanitarian workers in the region. Gaza has become one of the most dangerous places in the world for humanitarian workers, with at least 250 of them killed since the start of the war in October. The suspension of aid operations in Gaza is a real possibility if urgent measures are not taken to protect humanitarian workers from attacks and ensure safe access to the needy population. Children are the most vulnerable and affected population by this humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the chilling statistic of ten children losing one or both legs on average every day. Additionally, thousands of children are missing or separated from their families due to violence and forced displacements. The lack of resources and the depletion of funds for humanitarian operations jeopardize the lives of thousands of people in Gaza, especially children. The international community must intensify efforts to provide urgent humanitarian aid to the population in Gaza and ensure the protection of humanitarian workers who risk their lives to save others. An immediate ceasefire and an end to hostilities are necessary to allow safe access to aid and stop the suffering of the civilian population in Gaza. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza requires an urgent and coordinated international response to prevent an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in the region.