Northern Gaza in 'full-blown' famine: Senior UN official
Northern Gaza in 'full-blown' famine: Senior UN official
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) director said the comprehensive famine in northern Gaza might spread south.
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) director said the comprehensive famine in northern Gaza might spread south. Northern Gaza is experiencing "full-blown" famine, according to the UN World Food Programme (WFP) Director Cindy McCain.
"Whenever you have conflicts like this, and emotions rage high, and things happen in a war, famine happens," she said during an interview with NBC aired on Saturday.
"What I can explain to you is - is that there is famine - full-blown famine - in the north."
McCain warned mass starvation was "moving its way south", where the vast majority of Gaza's population has fled fighting between Israel and Hamas.
The UN has claimed since mid-March that northern Gaza is "nearing" a state of famine, though the organisation has not yet officially stated one had begun.
Human Rights Watch recently reported that children were dying from starvation-related complications in Gaza, claiming Israel was using starvation as a "weapon of war" - a war crime under international law.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also said in March that Israel was "provoking famine" as a weapon of war.
If Hamas released the hostages and recognized the right of Israel to exist then it would be over forever . Aid would flow into Gaza like a dam of money had burst. They would get 98% of their demands with no questions asked and no contest given by Israel.
I doubt that but even if it were true none of this is helpful for the ordinary civilians of Gaza. Might as well say if aliens in a flying saucer released the hostages.
Moreover, even aid "flowing in" wouldn't be enough at this point. Aid workers and credible infrastructure are needed once children enter famine conditions.
What is happening now will have huge impacts on the civilian victims, for years to come.
Dam that sucks
Israel has been repeatedly accused of blocking or obstructing aid deliveries to northern Gaza, though humanitarian organisations have said the number of lorries being let in has increased since May.
Aid convoys carrying vital have also reportedly been fired upon by Israeli forces, while others have been looted by desperate crowds and criminal gangs.
World Central Kitchen, a US-based nonprofit group, resumed operations on Monday after seven of its aid workers were killed by an Israeli airstrike in April. It has distributed over 43 million meals across Gaza.
Israel has denied such claims. It instead blamed the UN and other international organisations for logistical problems and delays.