VIDEO REPORT
First-ever famine declared in the Middle East as hunger spreads across the enclave
Gaza City and its surrounding areas are officially in famine, a UN-backed global hunger monitor has confirmed, warning that the crisis will spread across the besieged enclave if the war continues.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) said that 514,000 Palestinians, nearly a quarter of Gaza’s population, are in famine, with the number projected to rise to 641,000 by the end of September. This marks the first time famine has been declared outside Africa.
MAN-MADE DISASTER
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the crisis a “man-made disaster” and a “failure of humanity”, accusing Israel of violating its legal duty as an occupying power to ensure food and medical supplies. UN officials said months of warnings had been ignored and urged immediate, unrestricted aid access.
ISRAEL
Israel rejected the declaration, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling the IPC report “an outright lie” and insisting that aid continues to enter Gaza.
HAMAS
Hamas urged the UN Security Council to intervene, accusing Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war. Gaza’s Government Media Office said the famine amounts to “war crimes”, adding that Israel’s own aid figures incriminate its authorities.
The UN predicts famine conditions will spread to Deir el-Balah and Khan Younis by next month, as Israel’s war on Gaza enters its 23rd month. VIDEO COURTESY TRT
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