UN Warns Of Catastrophic Hunger For 345,000 Palestinians In Gaza This Winter

NEW YORK, Oct 18, 2024 (WAFA) – A recent assessment by the United Nations reveals that approximately 345,000 Palestinians in Gaza are expected to face catastrophic hunger this winter due to a decline in aid deliveries, raising alarms about the risk of famine throughout the region.

Palestinian news agency WAFA citing Arif Husain, Chief Economist at the World Food Programme said: "Commercial supplies have decreased, widespread displacement has occurred, infrastructure has been destroyed, agriculture has collapsed, and people lack financial resources."

The report, compiled by UN agencies and NGOs, indicates a stark increase from the current 133,000 individuals classified as experiencing "catastrophic food insecurity."

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The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report notes that while a rise in humanitarian aid over the summer alleviated some suffering, September saw the lowest level of commercial and humanitarian supplies entering Gaza since March.

As a result, the number of people facing catastrophic food insecurity (IPC Phase 5) is expected to surge between November 2024 and April 2025, reaching 345,000, or 16 per cent of the population.

The report highlights that the recent "sharp decline" in aid will severely limit families' ability to feed themselves and access essential goods and services in the coming months unless the situation changes. 

Husain emphasised, "All of this is reflected in the forecasts of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, indicating a deterioration beginning in November."

Additionally, estimates predict around 60,000 cases of acute malnutrition among children aged six months to four years during the same period.

-- BERNAMA-WAFA