Gaza Faces Imminent Famine Crisis

The situation in Gaza has reached a critical point due to the ongoing conflict in Israel, with fears of a severe humanitarian crisis reminiscent of historical famines. After two months of conflict, there is an imminent risk of widespread starvation, akin to the tragic events in British-ruled West Bengal in 1943, where an estimated 21-30 million people perished.

Gaza is grappling with a dire shortage of food and water, exacerbated by disruptions in supply chains caused by bombings that have targeted local bakeries and food warehouses. The inflation rate has skyrocketed, hindering access to essential commodities. As a result, millions of people in Gaza are teetering on the edge of famine, with concerns that the situation may escalate by February.

Also Read: HRW Accuses Israel of Starvation Tactics in Gaza

A report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) underscores the severity of the crisis, stating that over 90 percent of Gaza's 2.3 million population is facing food insecurity. Approximately 2.1 million people are experiencing acute food insecurity at stage 3, and if 20 percent of the population reaches the severe food insecurity stage, it would be considered a famine according to the IPC's classification, which ranges from the threat of disaster (stage one) to famine (stage five).

The UN-backed report predicts a worsening situation by February unless the conflict ceases, and urgent measures are taken to address food and water shortages. The lack of fuel compounds the crisis, preventing people in Gaza from cooking their own meals. The southern part of the strip, where deadly bombings persist, has become a precarious living situation for many, leading to a dire lack of sustenance.

The World Food Programme reveals that 9 out of 10 people in Gaza are chronically food insecure. Pregnant women, in particular, face increased risks, with 50,000 women nearing delivery and newborns struggling to access essential nutrition.

Since the onset of hostilities on October 7, more than 20,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in Gaza. Prior to the conflict, 10,000 trucks loaded with grain entered Gaza, but in the two months of war, only 1,249 trucks have delivered food and water. This represents a mere 10 percent of the required provisions, and even when food arrives, distribution challenges persist.

The current situation draws parallels to dark chapters in history, such as the Bengal Famine of 1943, a man-made disaster during World War II, where the British administration's utilization of India's grain for the war effort resulted in the deaths of millions. The ongoing crisis in Gaza demands urgent attention and intervention to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe.