Getty Images reports that since the beginning of Israel’s military offensive in northern Gaza 12 days ago, there has been a severe lack of aid entering the area. This has led to accusations that the Israeli military is deliberately blocking food aid deliveries in an attempt to starve out Hamas fighters. Joyce Msuya, the UN’s Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief, stated that Israel had blocked all food aid entering northern Gaza from October 2-15. The situation has become dire, with supplies for survival running out and civilians struggling to access basic necessities.
The lack of aid entering Gaza has raised concerns internationally, with the US warning Israel to improve humanitarian access or risk losing military assistance. The World Food Programme (WFP) has also expressed concerns that they will run out of food aid to distribute in just a week-and-a-half if fresh deliveries are not facilitated. Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denying any deliberate policy of starvation, reports indicate a significant decrease in aid entering Gaza compared to previous months.
The situation in northern Gaza has been described as unsustainable by residents, with food and water shortages becoming a daily struggle. Many have fled the area, while those who remain face exorbitant prices for basic necessities. Organised criminal gangs have also been reported to exacerbate the situation by robbing aid drivers and selling supplies meant for free distribution. The UN has warned of a potential famine in Gaza if aid deliveries do not increase immediately.
International reactions to the crisis have been critical, with the UN’s Special Rapporteur on the right to food accusing Israel of pursuing a deliberate policy of starvation. The UN Secretary General has called for immediate action to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. The situation remains dire, with concerns mounting over the increasing levels of acute food insecurity and potential famine in the region.