Escalating Famine Conditions in Gaza Lead to Mounting Deaths
Gaza is facing a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis, with widespread malnutrition and famine conditions resulting in a growing number of deaths.Since the start of Israel‘s war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, a total of 361 people have died from hunger-related causes, including 130 children, as of late August/early September 2024.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) declared on August 22nd that 514,000 people in Gaza – nearly a quarter of the population – are experiencing famine. The IPC projects this number will rise to 641,000 by the end of September. This marks the first time famine conditions have been recorded outside of Africa by the organization, with predictions of its spread to Deir el-Balah in central Gaza and Khan Younis in the south by the end of the month.
The crisis is fueled by extensive destruction of critical infrastructure, including medical facilities, schools, bakeries, and other essential resources. Aid deliveries have been consistently blocked,and reports indicate that Palestinians seeking food aid have been targeted and killed by Israeli forces.UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has described the situation as a “man-made disaster, a moral indictment and a failure of humanity itself,” emphasizing israel’s “unequivocal obligations” under international law as an occupying power to ensure the provision of food and medical supplies to Gaza.
Despite the overwhelming evidence presented by the IPC, Israel has rejected the famine findings.
Recent violence continues to exacerbate the crisis. At least 63 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza since dawn on Tuesday,with 41 deaths occurring in Gaza City alone. Nineteen of those killed were aid seekers in central and southern Gaza. Israeli attacks are currently focused on Gaza City, leading to relentless bombardment and attempts to forcibly displace residents southward.
Al Jazeera correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum reported from Deir el-Balah that many civilians remain in Gaza City, refusing to leave due to the lack of safe spaces in other areas and a desire to stay near their communities. Once home to one million Palestinians, Gaza City is now largely reduced to rubble.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the International Association of Genocide Scholars, a 500-member body of academics, formally declared on September 1st that Israel’s war on Gaza meets the legal definition of genocide, as outlined in the 1948 UN Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.The association’s resolution states that Israel’s policies and actions in gaza fulfill the criteria for genocide.
