UN Officials: 576,000 Residents of Gaza on the Brink of Famine

Senior UN officials stated on Tuesday, March 8, that at least a quarter of Gaza's population, or 576,000 people, are on the brink of famine. In contrast, the Deputy Israeli Ambassador to the UN claimed that 'there are no restrictions on sending humanitarian aid to the civilian population of Gaza.' According to the Associated Press, UN officials highlighted the severe need for food among civilians in Gaza, noting that as a result of these conditions, some aid trucks are being targeted by gunfire and looted by hungry people. The officials from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the Food and Agriculture Organization reported on the deteriorating conditions for the 2.3 million residents of Gaza, stating that essential resources in the north of the strip, where food and other humanitarian aid have been depleted, are scarce. Ramish Ram Singham, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator, told Security Council members that the situation in Gaza is likely to worsen. He added that one in six children under two years old in northern Gaza suffers from acute malnutrition. Karl Skau, the Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme, assessed the conditions for children in Gaza as 'the worst level of child malnutrition' in the world and warned that 'if the situation does not change, famine in northern Gaza is imminent.' He mentioned that adequate food supplies are on the way but noted that about ten days ago, a convoy sent by the World Food Programme faced delays at checkpoints, gunfire, and looting of food supplies. Mr. Skau also stated, 'The breakdown of civil order hinders the safe distribution of aid, and we have a duty to protect our staff.' This UN official added that the World Food Programme has halted aid deliveries to northern Gaza until the safety of its staff and aid recipients can be guaranteed. Israel: No Restrictions on Aid Delivery. Brett Miller, the Deputy Israeli Ambassador to the UN, told the Security Council that Israel is doing 'everything possible to care for civilians' while fighting Hamas and is constantly working to ensure the safe entry of humanitarian aid from many countries and UN agencies. Mr. Miller announced that Israel has facilitated the delivery of 254,000 tons of humanitarian aid, including 165,000 tons of food, since the October 15 attacks by Hamas, adding, 'There are no restrictions' and emphasized, 'There are no restrictions on sending humanitarian aid to the civilian population of Gaza.' He pointed out that 20 bakeries across Gaza produce over two million pita breads daily, accusing the UN of refusing to send aid to northern Gaza. This Israeli official also accused some UN officials of trying to place the blame on Israel, stating that in recent days, over 500 trucks have been waiting for passage through Gaza with Israeli approval. So where are the UN and its aid agencies? How can Israel be held responsible for a situation that is clearly the fault of the UN?' According to the Associated Press, UN officials responded similarly, stating that the first step to eliminate the threat of famine is to establish a ceasefire so that humanitarian workers can enter Gaza. Hope for a ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan; Qatar says it is not as optimistic as the US. Joe Biden is optimistic about a ceasefire in Gaza; Geeta Arin reports. The US: Achieving a 'temporary ceasefire' agreement between Israel and Hamas is 'doable.' The Israeli Defense Minister: The Islamic Republic and Hamas intend to carry out 'the second part of the October 15 attack' during Ramadan. A UN official says the Israeli army blocked a medical aid convoy in Gaza despite prior coordination.