By By Micheal Chukwuebuka
The United Nations has declared a famine in Gaza, the first time such a designation has ever been made in the Middle East. UN experts estimate that half a million people in the enclave are experiencing “catastrophic” levels of hunger.
“This famine is entirely preventable,” said UN aid chief Tom Fletcher, accusing Israel of systematically blocking food from reaching civilians. “Food could not get through to Gaza because of systematic obstruction by Israel,” he said.
Israel swiftly rejected the UN assessment. “There is no famine in Gaza,” the Foreign Ministry said, describing the Rome-based Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report as “Hamas lies laundered through organisations with vested interests.”
The famine declaration comes as Israel intensifies pressure on Hamas. Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that Gaza City would be destroyed unless the group disarms, frees remaining hostages, and agrees to end the war on Israel’s terms.
The announcement underscores the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where aid agencies have long warned that civilians are bearing the brunt of the conflict.
What's your reaction?
