(Rightallegiance.com) – The humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza has reached a critical point, with the United Nations warning that famine is imminent. This dire situation coincides with a recent Israeli military operation targeting Gaza’s largest hospital, further exacerbating the region’s instability.
The UN World Food Programme has reported that 70% of the remaining population in northern Gaza is experiencing catastrophic hunger, with the area under a near-complete blockade since early October. The World Food Programme cautioned that the shortage of food and other critical supplies entering Gaza “could soon escalate into famine unless immediate action is taken.”
The Famine Review Committee, part of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, emphasized that the situation is “extremely grave and rapidly deteriorating,” calling for immediate action from all parties involved in the conflict.
In a recent development, Israeli forces conducted a raid on Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, citing the presence of Hamas militants within the compound. The military reported killing a Hamas commander during the operation, while Palestinian officials stated that tens of thousands of civilians were sheltering in the hospital at the time.
This operation follows a previous raid in November, where the Israeli military claimed to have discovered a Hamas command center beneath the hospital. However, evidence presented was deemed insufficient by critics, raising concerns about the endangerment of civilian lives.
The repeated targeting of medical facilities has devastated Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure. Hospitals like Al-Shifa are operating under dire conditions, lacking essential supplies, fuel, and medical personnel. The destruction of healthcare facilities has left countless patients without access to necessary treatment, with many hospitals forced to shut down due to damage and resource shortages.
The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the Israeli strike on Al-Ahli Hospital, emphasizing the protections afforded to medical facilities under international humanitarian law.
The European Union’s top diplomat described the impending famine as “entirely man-made,” accusing parties of using starvation as a weapon of war. Aid organizations have called for immediate and unimpeded access to deliver essential supplies to the affected population.
As the situation in northern Gaza deteriorates, the combination of military operations and restricted humanitarian access has created a catastrophic environment for civilians. Immediate international intervention is crucial to prevent further loss of life and to address the urgent needs of the population.
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