The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has issued a grave warning, stating that Gaza is currently in the throes of a "catastrophic hunger" crisis. The UN agency urgently appealed for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, highlighting that a staggering 40 percent of the population there is at imminent risk of famine.
Thomas White, the Director of UNRWA in Gaza, emphasized the daily struggle for survival faced by the people, as access to essential resources like food and water becomes increasingly precarious. In a statement on 'X', White underscored the critical need for a humanitarian ceasefire and an influx of additional aid as the last remaining lifeline to alleviate hunger and famine in Gaza.
The escalation of attacks by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza, spanning from the northern to central and southern regions, has resulted in widespread internal displacement among the Palestinian population. This displacement has, in turn, given rise to heightened levels of poverty and hunger.
The toll of the Israeli offensives is staggering, with at least 21,200 Palestinians, including women and children, losing their lives since October 7. Additionally, 55,603 people have been injured in the IDF attacks, painting a grim picture of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
As the situation worsens, the call for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid becomes not just an immediate necessity but a moral imperative to prevent further loss of life and to address the pressing hunger crisis in Gaza. The international community is urged to act swiftly and decisively to bring relief to the suffering population and work towards a lasting solution to the complex issues in the region.
(With Agency Inputs)
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