Gaza Faces Looming Famine: UN Sounds Alarm Amid Ongoing Conflict

The United Nations has issued a warning that Gaza faces the risk of famine if the conflict between Israel and Hamas persists.

A UN food security agency reports that approximately 500,000 people, constituting a quarter of households, are experiencing catastrophic conditions.

Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme, emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian access to ensure the flow of supplies into Gaza and for civilians to safely receive life-saving aid.

The United Nations’ Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has expressed concern about the insufficient quantity of commodities allowed into the Gaza Strip due to conflicts and natural disasters.

Although aid trucks have been arriving from Egypt, the World Food Programme estimates that only 10% of the required food is currently reaching the territory.

Meanwhile, the US has expressed support for the latest draft resolution after voicing widespread concerns with an earlier version that called for a ceasefire, something the US is against, saying it will only benefit Hamas.

Talks had been taking place in Egypt to reach a new truce similar to the week-long pause in fighting last month that saw hostages released.

On October 7, Hamas climbed through the strongly fortified border with Israel, killing 1,200 Palestinians and taking over 240 Israeli hostages. The agreement last month resulted in the freeing of 110 captives in total.