Title: Gaza Faces Humanitarian Crisis as Aid Agencies Struggle to Provide Assistance
Since 2004, there have been two famines declared by the International Panel on Climate Change (I.P.C.), with devastating consequences. In 2011, Somalia faced a famine due to years of conflict and drought, resulting in the deaths of around 250,000 people. Six years later, South Sudan experienced a man-made famine caused by civil war and blockades on aid, leading to tens of thousands of deaths.
Now, Gaza is facing a humanitarian crisis, despite being small and urban with access to aid from neighboring countries. Aid agencies are finding it difficult to operate in the region, with scores of aid workers being killed during the six months of war. The Israeli government has denied permission for aid convoys to move within Gaza, leading to a sharp disagreement with the U.N. about the amount of aid entering the region.
Critics accuse Israel of restricting aid flow and using an onerous inspection process, while Israeli officials claim they have placed no limits on aid. The Israeli agency responsible for aid deliveries into Gaza has stated that they have increased deliveries and opened an additional entry point in northern Gaza. However, the Israeli government holds Hamas responsible for civilian suffering in Gaza.
Governments worldwide, including President Biden, have urged Israel to address the crisis quickly and ensure adequate aid deliveries. The situation in Gaza is described as shocking by the chief economist at the World Food Program, emphasizing the scale and severity of the crisis and how quickly it has developed.
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate, the international community is closely monitoring the situation and calling for urgent action to provide assistance to those in need.
