Palestinian Authority Declares Gaza a ‘Famine Zone’ Amid Israeli Blockade and Attacks
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Urgent Call for International Action
In a recent press conference held at the Crisis Management Center in Ramallah, Palestinian Prime Minister Mustafa issued a desperate plea for global intervention amid a severe humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. His remarks focused on the alarming conditions facing the population, including widespread hunger and suffering among the most vulnerable groups.
Mustafa urged United Nations member countries to take decisive action aligned with international humanitarian law, emphasizing the necessity to recognize the dire state of the region. "We declare Gaza a disaster zone," he stated, calling for the entire UN system to activate mechanisms that officially designate it as a "scarcity zone." This acknowledgment, he believes, is critical to addressing the urgent needs of Gaza’s residents.
The Prime Minister highlighted the pressing obligation of the global community to implement existing UN resolutions that prohibit the use of hunger as a weapon of war. He expressed his commitment to collaborating with international partners to mitigate the effects of ongoing hostilities and strive towards reconstruction efforts in the region.
The situation has substantially deteriorated since the cessation of humanitarian aid on March 2, following the first phase of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement with Israel. The blockade has exacerbated the humanitarian disaster, leading to catastrophic consequences, including child fatalities linked to malnutrition.
The effects of cutting off essential supplies of water and electricity, coupled with the closure of border crossings, have created an unbearable reality for Palestinians in Gaza. According to Münir al-Burş, Director General of Gaza Strip Health Services, as of May 1, a staggering 91% of Gaza’s population is experiencing a food crisis. Furthermore, 65% lack access to clean drinking water, and around 92% of children and breastfeeding mothers suffer from acute nutritional deficiencies.
Tragically, reports indicate that at least 57 individuals, primarily children and infants, have died from hunger-related causes in Gaza. This crisis demands immediate and coordinated international response to alleviate the suffering and restore hope to the beleaguered population.
As calls for action intensify, the global community faces a critical moment to step forward and support the efforts of Palestinian leadership to combat this humanitarian catastrophe and work towards the sustainable recovery of Gaza.
