A UN-backed assessment warns of an imminent famine in the northern Gaza Strip, fueled by Israel’s military operation, the collapse of food systems, and a near-halt in humanitarian aid. The report details the worsening conditions and the alarming increase in food insecurity, with essential prices skyrocketing and access to food drastically limited.
A new report by international experts warns that four districts in Yemen are at risk of famine due to a surge in child hunger and worsening food insecurity. The report highlights the devastating impact of the ongoing civil war and calls for increased humanitarian aid to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.
Sudan’s North Darfur region is facing a widespread famine, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict between the military and the Rapid Support Forces. This dire situation, classified as a famine by international standards, has forced millions into displacement and desperation, with dire consequences for food security and humanitarian aid.
Nearly 282 million people in 59 countries are facing acute hunger in 2023, a sharp increase from 2022. The Global Report on Food Crises warns that 705,000 people in five countries are at Phase 5, the highest level of hunger, with over 80% of these cases occurring in war-torn Gaza. Conflict and climate change continue to drive food insecurity, with South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Somalia, and Mali also facing catastrophic hunger. The report urges urgent action to address the underlying causes of hunger and malnutrition.
Despite corrections and debates, evidence suggests that famine in Gaza has likely begun. This ongoing process, characterized by widespread hunger, malnutrition, and impending mass mortality, demands urgent attention. However, the arbitrary threshold for declaring famine and the semantic disputes surrounding the term can obscure the severity of the situation.
David Satterfield, the US special envoy for humanitarian issues, has warned that the risk of famine in northern Gaza remains “very high” despite an increase in aid admitted to the territory. The UN has raised concerns about obstacles to delivering and distributing aid in Gaza since Israel launched an offensive there six months ago.
An independent UN review led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna has found that Israel has failed to provide credible evidence to support its claims that UNRWA staff were members of “terrorist” groups. The allegations led to a significant funding deficit for UNRWA. Despite the report’s findings, some donor countries, including the US, continue to suspend funding. The review highlights the importance of UNRWA’s work in Gaza, where famine threatens millions due to restricted food convoys.
