The official declaration of famine in Gaza has been made, as hunger levels reach catastrophic proportions. The United Nations characterized the famine in Gaza as a crisis of the 21st century and a war crime, amidst urgent calls for immediate action and the unrestricted entry of aid. Dr. Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic advisor to the President of the UAE, stated that the Emirates stands firm in its humanity and support to alleviate the suffering in Gaza.
On the previous day, the United Nations officially announced the famine situation in the Gaza Strip. Tom Fletcher, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, contended that the famine could have been avoided if it weren’t for the systematic obstructions placed by Israel regarding food aid entry.
The Integrated Phase Classification report, a body of experts supported by the UN, indicated that famine exists in Gaza province, which includes the city of Gaza and its surroundings, making up 20% of the area, with predictions that the situation will spread to Deir al-Balah and Khan Yunis by late September.
UN experts warned that over half a million individuals face catastrophic hunger, marking the highest level on the IPC scale, characterized by starvation and death. Fletcher stated:
“This is starvation… famine just a few hundred meters from food and on fertile land,” deeming it a shameful mark on the world, adding, “It could have been prevented if we were allowed… food is piled up at the border due to the systematic obstruction by Israel.”
Alleviating the Tragedy
Dr. Anwar Gargash affirmed the UAE’s steadfast humanity and support to lessen the tragedy in Gaza, noting on a social platform:
“As the UN officially declares the famine in Gaza, marking a collective shame for the international community, history will record that my homeland, the UAE, stood tall in its humanity and contributions, committing 42% of total international assistance to alleviate this tragedy.”
Shameful Stigma
Saudi Arabia also expressed its serious concerns following the famine declaration in Gaza, emphasizing that it will remain a stain on global conscience. The Saudi Foreign Ministry stated: “The Ministry expresses the grave concern of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in light of the Food Security Integrated Phase Classification report.
By officially declaring famine in the Gaza Strip, the Kingdom insists that the escalating humanitarian disaster in Gaza will be a lasting stigma on the conscience of the international community, unless immediate intervention occurs to end the famine and halt the genocide and crimes being perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinians.”
Catastrophe
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation in Gaza as a man-made disaster. He characterized conditions in Gaza as a living hell in a post, emphasizing that the current state is not a mystery but rather a moral failing of humanity.
Guterres stated that as the occupying power, Israel has obligations under international law to ensure the provision of food and medical supplies, adding, “We cannot allow this situation to continue without consequences,” reiterating his demand for an immediate ceasefire, release of hostages, and full access to humanitarian aid in the region.
Furthermore, the UN described the famine in Gaza as a famine of the 21st century and a war crime, holding Israel directly responsible for the humanitarian disaster. Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated:
“The declared famine in Gaza is a direct result of illegal restrictions imposed by the Israeli government on the entry and distribution of aid.” He confirmed that using starvation as a weapon constitutes a war crime, with the resulting deaths equating to murder.
In a joint statement, various UN organizations, including FAO, UNICEF, the World Food Programme, and WHO, called for an immediate ceasefire and ensured unobstructed entry of aid.
They noted that over half a million people are suffering from famine and expect it to extend to Deir al-Balah and Khan Yunis in the coming weeks, as cases of malnutrition and hunger-related fatalities rise.
Securing Needs
The International Committee of the Red Cross stated that Israel must secure the basic needs of the population under international law. The committee declared: “Under international humanitarian law, Israel must ensure the basic needs of civilians in Gaza, utilizing all resources at its disposal.” They contended that the famine announcement should serve as a motivation for immediate and concrete action.
They added: “Any further delay will cost lives, and all parties to the conflict, as well as influential countries, must exert more effort to enable safe, sustainable, and neutral access for humanitarian assistance.”
Hamas also called for the opening of borders and immediate action to halt the genocide and ensure the urgent flow of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory.
The movement emphasized the significance of the UN announcement, stating: “Although it comes much too late after long months of warnings and suffering our people has endured under siege and systematic starvation.”
Moreover, they urged the international community and its institutions to assume immediate legal and moral responsibility to stop the crimes against humanity and save more than two million people facing extermination, starvation, and systematic destruction of all means of life.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the UN report declaring famine in Gaza, labeling it as blatant falsehood. He mentioned in a statement from his office that the Integrated Phase Classification report is an outright lie.
Netanyahu pointed out that Israel does not practice a starvation policy and that aid has continued to enter the region during the conflict. He noted that the report overlooked the relief measures recently adopted by Israel. US President Donald Trump also stated that the current situation in Gaza must come to an end.
Moral Outrage
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the famine experienced by the people of Gaza is a moral outrage and a man-made disaster. He said in a statement: “The confirmation of famine in Gaza and surrounding areas is grossly horrifying.
It could have been completely avoided… The refusal of the Israeli government to allow sufficient aid into Gaza caused this man-made catastrophe… It is a moral outrage,” emphasizing that Israel could and should take immediate steps to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
This should involve allowing food, fuel, and medicine to reach the region unconditionally. The British minister affirmed that Israel must allow the UN and international humanitarian organizations to operate vital missions without obstruction, renewing his call for an immediate ceasefire.
German Development Minister Rim Al-Abli Radovan reiterated calls for increased aid to Gaza following the famine declaration, stating that the Integrated Phase Classification report clearly illustrates the disastrous situation in Gaza. She added: “More and more people, especially children, are dying of hunger before our eyes… This situation cannot continue… The famine is man-made exclusively.
While access to humanitarian aid has slightly improved, the Integrated Phase Classification report also shows that this improvement is insufficient… There is an urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, and in parallel, Hamas must release hostages unconditionally.”