On October 18, reports from the United Nations highlighted a troubling situation in Gaza, where a recent assessment indicated an ongoing risk of famine. The dire circumstances have left the people of Gaza grappling with catastrophic hunger.
As local residents in the Zeitoun area of southern Gaza seek refuge from the escalating violence, the UN’s Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report released on October 17 reveals that over 1.8 million residents are in a “crisis” state of food insecurity. Alarmingly, more than 130,000 individuals are facing conditions classified as “catastrophic.”
The report emphasizes that after a year of continuous conflict, the situation worsens as winter approaches, leaving Gaza vulnerable to famine risks.
In response to the alarming findings, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his shock and described the situation as “unacceptable.” He urged Israel to open border crossings and remove artificial barriers, facilitating humanitarian aid delivery to the people of Gaza.
