More than 93% of children in Gaza are at risk of famine: IPC report

Summary

The ongoing blockade in Gaza has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with more than 930,000 children at risk of famine. Despite international pressure, the Israeli government's allowance of limited aid is deemed insufficient by UNICEF, with only a small number of trucks entering Gaza. Humanitarian workers argue that the aid distribution plans are inadequate, violating key principles by limiting access to essential supplies for vulnerable populations. UNICEF calls for a full resumption of aid to meet the needs of millions, including 1 million children facing malnutrition and illness.

Takeaways

• 😀 More than 93% of children in Gaza, approximately 930,000, are at risk of famine due to the ongoing conflict and blockade.
• 😀 Since March, at least 57 children have died from malnutrition, highlighting the urgency of addressing food insecurity.
• 😀 If the blockade persists, nearly 71,000 children under the age of five will suffer from acute malnutrition in the next 11 months.
• 😀 Families in Gaza are resorting to eating animal feed, expired flour, and flour mixed with sand to survive.
• 😀 Hunger-induced illnesses like diarrhea and weakness are affecting children in Gaza, exacerbating the crisis.
• 😀 Israel has agreed to allow 17 trucks of aid into Gaza, but this is considered insufficient to meet the needs of the population.
• 😀 UNICEF describes the aid as a 'drop in the ocean' due to the immense scale of deprivation experienced by the people in Gaza.
• 😀 Tess Ingram of UNICEF stresses that a small amount of aid is not enough to address the needs of the two million people affected by the crisis.
• 😀 UNICEF has called on Israeli authorities to allow in more aid to meet the basic needs of Gaza's population, especially for children.
• 😀 The proposed aid distribution plan may contravene humanitarian principles, with aid being funneled through just a few distribution points in the south of Gaza, making it difficult for people to access.
• 😀 The UN and humanitarian partners are calling for a full and sustained resumption of aid, ensuring that supplies reach all of Gaza’s vulnerable populations in line with international humanitarian law.

Q & A

What is the current food security situation in Gaza as discussed in the transcript?

The food security situation in Gaza is worsening, with more than 93% of children at risk of famine due to the ongoing war and blockade. This includes over 930,000 children, and since early March, at least 57 children have died from malnutrition. If the blockade continues, nearly 71,000 children under the age of five are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition.

What are some of the desperate measures families in Gaza are taking to survive?

Families in Gaza are resorting to eating animal feed, expired flour, and flour mixed with sand. Children are suffering from hunger-induced illnesses such as diarrhea and weakness due to lack of proper food and nutrition.

How is the international community responding to the crisis in Gaza?

The international community has been putting pressure on Israel to allow aid into Gaza. Israel has agreed to allow some basic aid, but this is viewed as insufficient, with only 17 trucks scheduled to deliver aid, which is described as a 'drop in the ocean' in terms of the vast needs in Gaza.

What does the UN Secretary General mean by calling the aid a 'drop in the ocean'?

The UN Secretary General uses the phrase 'a drop in the ocean' to highlight that the amount of aid being allowed into Gaza, which consists of just a few trucks, is far too small to address the immense and urgent needs of the population, which has endured months of deprivation.

What is UNICEF's stance on the aid being sent to Gaza?

UNICEF believes that the amount of aid being allowed into Gaza is far from sufficient and is calling for Israel to allow in the basics needed to meet the needs of the 1 million children in Gaza. They stress the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law.

What are the concerns regarding new mechanisms for aid distribution in Gaza?

There are concerns that new mechanisms for aid distribution may prioritize organizations linked to the US or Israeli governments, which could undermine humanitarian principles. Additionally, the proposed mechanisms seem to limit aid distribution to just a few points in southern Gaza, making it harder for people to access necessary supplies.

What specific problems are expected with the new aid distribution plan in Gaza?

The new aid distribution plan seems to focus on just a few distribution points in southern Gaza, meaning that people, including the sick, exhausted, and malnourished, would have to walk long distances to collect aid. This is impractical and does not align with humanitarian principles, which call for aid to be accessible to all in need.

How does UNICEF view the role of international organizations in aid distribution?

UNICEF emphasizes the importance of humanitarian organizations following international humanitarian principles and ensuring that aid is distributed based on people's needs, not political affiliations. They stress that organizations should operate independently and be able to distribute aid effectively throughout Gaza.

Why is it crucial for humanitarian aid to be fully resumed in Gaza, according to UNICEF?

It is crucial for humanitarian aid to be fully resumed because the population in Gaza has endured severe deprivation over the past three months and longer. A full resumption of aid is necessary to address the humanitarian crisis, including the needs of 1 million children who require immediate support.

What has UNICEF been doing to support Gaza despite the blockade?

Despite the blockade, UNICEF has been working to provide aid through distribution points in Gaza. However, due to restrictions, they are unable to access all the areas that need help. UNICEF has been calling for more access and a sustainable solution to the aid crisis in Gaza.