In reaction to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report published today on Gaza stating that famine is imminent in Northern Gaza and, if Israel persists in its hostilities and restricting humanitarian access, there is a real risk of famine for the rest of the enclave, Sally Abi Khalil, Oxfam’s Middle East and North Africa Regional Director, said:
“This new report shows that the catastrophic levels of hunger and starvation in Gaza are the highest ever recorded on the IPC scale, both in terms of number of people and percentage of the population. Never before have we seen such rapid deterioration into widespread starvation.
“Northern Gaza is days away from famine and the rest of Gaza faces a similar fate. Children are already dying of malnutrition and starvation under the gaze of the international community. Since December, the number of people in Gaza who have plunged into catastrophic levels of hunger, has nearly doubled.
“Oxfam’s report today shows how Israel is causing these horrifying figures, by deliberately blocking food and aid from going into Gaza. It has been using starvation as a weapon of war for over five months now. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has actually worsened since the International Court of Justice (ICJ) specifically ordered Israel to enable more aid. Israel’s deliberate manufacturing of suffering is systemic and of such scale and intensity that it creates a real risk of a genocide in Gaza.
“We cannot wait for a declaration of famine to stop these appalling atrocities and massively scale up humanitarian operations.
“Israel cannot starve and bomb Gaza into a solution. Only an immediate permanent ceasefire and a political solution, including ending the occupation and release of all hostages and illegally held prisoners, can bring a lasting peace with justice for both Palestinians and Israelis alike.”
For interviews, contact Lucy Brown lucyb@oxfam.org.au / 0478 190 099
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