The Gaza Strip is facing a dire situation as a panel of global hunger experts warned of an impending famine, with almost half a million people in the territory at risk of starvation. For many Gazans, the famine already feels like a reality, as they struggle to find food and afford basic necessities.
Eman Abu Jaljum, a 23-year-old resident of northern Gaza, described the situation as dire, saying, “I swear our stomachs are decaying.” Families are surviving off canned peas and beans, with fresh vegetables and meat becoming increasingly scarce and expensive.
Iyad al-Sapti, a father of six in Gaza City, shared his struggles in obtaining basic food items, noting that a bag of flour required waiting in line for hours and a single bell pepper now costs more than $2. The lack of access to essential food items has left many families unable to provide for their children, with some reporting the heartbreaking reality of not being able to afford eggs.
While there has been an increase in the amount of food reaching northern Gaza in recent months, the situation remains dire. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification warned of a high risk of famine, with many people at risk of dying before all the criteria for declaring a famine are met.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has exacerbated the food crisis, with food shortages reported across the enclave. In Khan Younis, finding food is less of a challenge than cooking it, as cooking gas and firewood are hard to come by. Despite some food items being available and affordable, the lack of cash, work, and income remains a significant challenge for many families.
As Gazans continue to struggle to find food and afford basic necessities, the fear of a full-blown famine looms large. The international community has been urged to provide urgent assistance to prevent further suffering and loss of life in the Gaza Strip.
