This article highlights the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, with a focus on the escalating malnutrition crisis and the challenges faced by aid organizations. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
World Food Program (WFP) Concerns:
Lifeline Measures: WFP stated that current measures could offer a lifeline to the population facing days without food, but only if they are upheld and expanded.
Logistical Hurdles: Despite recent deliveries, aid workers face extreme risks and logistical challenges in reaching those in need.
Food Stockpiles vs. Access: WFP has enough food to feed Gaza’s 2.1 million residents for three months, but the lack of a ceasefire and consistent access prevents them from distributing it effectively.
Call for Ceasefire: WFP stressed that an agreed ceasefire is the only way to reach everyone and called for predictable and safe conditions to prevent further loss of life.
World Health Association (WHO) Warnings:
spiraling Malnutrition: WHO warned that malnutrition in Gaza is spiraling out of control, with a sharp rise in deaths, particularly in July.
Alarming Death Toll: 63 out of 74 malnutrition-related deaths recorded this year occurred in July, including 24 children under five.Many died before receiving medical care.
Preventable Crisis: WHO described the crisis as “entirely preventable” and attributed the mounting toll to the intentional obstruction of aid.
Children Bearing the Brunt: Over 5,000 children were treated for malnutrition in July, many with life-threatening forms. specialized treatment centers are overwhelmed, lacking fuel and supplies, and staffed by tired health workers. Strained health System: The health system is on the brink, with diseases spreading due to a lack of clean water and sanitation.
Impact on Women: Over 40% of pregnant and breastfeeding women are now severely malnourished.
Desperate Search for Food: The desperate search for food is also leading to casualties, with over 1,000 people killed and over 7,000 injured since late May while trying to access aid. Call for Sustained Aid: WHO is calling for an immediate ceasefire and a sustained surge of diverse, nutritious food and medical supplies, emphasizing the need for consistent and unhindered flow, and protection for civilians, health workers, and humanitarian operations.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ Call to action:
End occupation and Devastation: The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, called for immediate action to end Israel’s unlawful occupation and the ongoing devastation in Gaza.
Complicity in Crimes: He warned that countries failing to use their leverage could be complicit in international crimes and urged governments to pressure Israel to halt the violence and recommit to a two-state solution.
“Dystopian Landscape”: Türk described Gaza as a “dystopian landscape of deadly attacks and total destruction,” where children are starving and families are killed while seeking food.
Failing Aid System: He noted that the militarized aid distribution system, supported by the US and Israel, is failing to meet the scale of need.
Loss of UN Colleagues: He highlighted the tragic loss of over 300 UN colleagues.
West Bank Violence: The High Commissioner also pointed to ongoing violence by Israeli forces and settlers in the occupied West Bank, including home demolitions and water supply cuts.
Condemnation of Hamas Attacks: While condemning the October 7th attacks by Hamas, he emphasized that the suffering inflicted on Palestinians since then cannot be justified.
Call for Ceasefire and Hostage Release: He reiterated the call for an immediate, permanent ceasefire and the release of hostages.
in essence, the article paints a grim picture of a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, driven by conflict and restricted access to aid, leading to widespread malnutrition and death. It underscores the urgent need for a ceasefire and sustained, unhindered humanitarian assistance.
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