UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher said that the Gaza Strip is experiencing a full-blown famine, warning that the crisis could have been avoided if humanitarian aid had been allowed in without restrictions.
In a statement the first of its kind in the Middle East, the United Nations and international experts declared a widespread famine in the Gaza Strip on Friday, according to international media reports.
At a press conference in Geneva today, Fletcher said the humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, stressing that food is available within hundreds of meters of residents, but ongoing obstructions at the crossings prevent it from reaching those most in need, according to a statement on the website of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
He added:"It is a famine that strikes the most vulnerable first, forcing families to make tragic decisions about who among their children gets to eat. It is a famine in the 21st century, under the surveillance of drones and the latest warfare technologies."
Fletcher accused some Israeli leaders of using famine as a tool of war, emphasizing that the crisis was the product of cruelty, justified by a spirit of revenge, and perpetuated by international complicity.
The UN official made a direct appeal to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying:"Enough! Stop the firing! Open all crossings without delay or restrictions! Let food and medical aid enter on a massive scale. It's too late for many, but it's not too late for everyone."
Fletcher noted that the UN is capable of delivering aid efficiently, saying,"When I was in Gaza in the first quarter of this year, we were getting between 600 and 700 trucks in daily. We could return to that rate immediately if we were allowed to do so."
famine in Gaza
Fletcher expressed concern about the restrictions imposed on the work of international humanitarian organizations in Gaza, pointing to a letter signed by more than 100 non-governmental organizations last week, which spoke of systematic obstacles hindering relief operations. He emphasized that the call to open the crossings extends to all humanitarian partners, not just UN agencies.
The UN official held the entire world responsible for the famine, saying:"This famine is not only the responsibility of those who caused it, but the responsibility of the entire world."
famine in Gaza![]( "المجاعة في غزة")
famine in Gaza
famine in Gaza
famine in Gaza
famine in Gaza
famine in Gaza
famine in Gaza
famine in Gaza
famine in Gaza
famine in Gaza
famine in Gaza
famine in Gaza
famine in Gaza
famine in Gaza
famine in Gaza
famine in Gaza
famine in Gaza
famine in Gaza
famine in Gaza
