October 18, 2024 – The hunger we are seeing across Gaza is shocking and unconscionable, and in every respect it’s getting worse. Whether or not the existence of famine can be determined doesn’t matter – widespread death, child wasting, malnutrition, illness, and severe trauma are all immense and preventable forms of suffering that have been happening for the past year.
Only a ceasefire, along with the rapid scale up of safe and unfettered humanitarian access, could begin to change the trajectory of this unthinkable and horrific reality for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza. Extreme restrictions on aid access and the siege that has now been put in place in northern Gaza, not only block the delivery of lifesaving food, water, fuel and essential supplies, they also prevent nutrition and food security specialists from accurately measuring the complex and enduring impacts of malnutrition and doing all they can to prevent mortality. In turn, the IPC methodology that remains a crucial barometer for hunger simply cannot truly capture the depth of suffering or needs in Gaza when access is so limited and shrinking.
Israel, as the Occupying Power, must uphold its obligations under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), including ensuring that the humanitarian needs of the occupied population are met. This includes facilitating humanitarian aid and creating conditions that enable the provision of all essential services and supplies – healthcare, water and sanitation, as well as nutritional food. As per IHL, the facilitation of aid must be principled, safe, secure, and unimpeded into and across all areas of Gaza. Israel must not forcibly displace or transfer the civilian population, and it must not use starvation as a weapon of war.
– Deepmala Mahla, CARE’s Chief Humanitarian Officer
For media inquiries, please contact usa.media@care.org