According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the situation in Gaza is dire, with almost everyone experiencing severe hunger and a sharp increase in disease rates among children. Both Hamas and Israel have expressed their commitment to continue fighting despite the worsening humanitarian crisis.
The WHO revealed that approximately 93% of Gaza’s population, which amounts to 2.28 million people, are currently facing hunger at “crisis” levels or worse. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the organization cited a joint report by the United Nations and other international bodies, which highlighted that 17% of Gaza’s residents are dealing with “catastrophic” levels of food insecurity. The report defines this as an imminent risk of starvation and death.
If Israel’s military operation in Gaza and the blockade of the strip persist, the report predicts that famine conditions will arise by the end of February.
The WHO shared that during recent visits to north Gaza, their staff encountered individuals who expressed hunger in every conversation. This included encounters in hospitals and emergency wards, where people pleaded for food assistance.
Other relief organizations operating in the Palestinian enclave have documented similar circumstances, as stated by Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), who informed journalists last week that Gaza is no longer a livable place.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition and the destruction of infrastructure have led to a surge in diseases. Since mid-October, there have been over 100,000 cases of diarrhea and 150,000 cases of upper respiratory infections. The organization highlighted that cases of diarrhea among children under five years old are now 25 times more prevalent than before the conflict began.
The WHO emphasized that the people of Gaza, who have already endured significant suffering, are now at risk of death due to starvation and easily treatable diseases, if only there was a functioning healthcare system. They called for an immediate halt to this situation and urged for a substantial increase in the flow of food and other aid. The WHO reiterated their plea for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
Israel initiated its campaign in Gaza in response to a surprise attack by Hamas militants on October 7, resulting in the death of 1,200 individuals and the capture of approximately 240 hostages. Israeli airstrikes commenced immediately, followed by the entry of ground forces into the strip a month later. Currently, Israeli control extends over most of Gaza City in the north and parts of Khan Younis in the south.
The health ministry of Gaza announced on Thursday that the death toll has reached over 20,000 since October 7. Among the victims, there are at least 8,000 children and 6,200 women. Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of the Hamas political bureau, has recently arrived in Cairo for ceasefire negotiations. However, it has been reported that he rejected an Israeli proposal to halt the fighting in exchange for the release of approximately 40 captives. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel will continue the war until all of its objectives are achieved, including the complete elimination of Hamas and the release of all hostages. Netanyahu also called on the Palestinian militants to either surrender or face death.
