US admits famine in Gaza
Last Updated on March 30, 2024 4:45 am
The US has acknowledged that famine is ongoing in at least some areas of the Gaza Strip. A senior US State Department official said on Friday that the Israeli blockade has prevented aid trucks from entering the densely populated enclave, hampering more aid.
“Although we can say with confidence, there is a significant risk of famine in the south and center but not yet,” the official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. It has both a risk and presence in the north, and probably famine in at least some areas.
It is reported that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Israel to take necessary and effective measures to prevent famine by ensuring the immediate supply of food to the residents of Gaza, a besieged, war-torn and on the brink of famine in Palestine.
The new order from the ICJ comes at a time when Israel has stepped up attacks on Gaza, AFP news agency reported. On Friday, the Ministry of Health of Palestine said that 71 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces in the last 24 hours. With this, 32 thousand 623 people have been killed since October 7. Apart from this, more than 75 thousand people were injured.
Meanwhile, earlier this month, global authorities on food security warned that famine was imminent in Gaza. In northern Gaza it may occur by May and may spread throughout the enclave by July.
According to the Integrated Food Security Phase report, malnutrition and food insecurity are likely to exceed famine levels in northern Gaza, and hunger-related deaths are likely to occur soon.