Gaza Faces Critical Food Shortages Amid War
Five months of war have led to severe food shortages among Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians, with some areas experiencing famine-like conditions, as reported by the United Nations.
WHO Calls for Expansion of Land Crossings
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized the urgent need to expand land crossings into Gaza to prevent famine in the densely populated Palestinian enclave. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that while recent efforts to deliver food by air and sea are appreciated, only the expansion of land crossings can facilitate large-scale deliveries to avert famine.
Concerns for the Future Generation
“The future of an entire generation is at serious risk,” Tedros warned, highlighting the dire situation faced by Gaza’s population.
Challenges in Aid Delivery
U.N. aid agencies have cited significant obstacles in moving aid to the north of Gaza, stressing that a ceasefire and the reopening of border crossings closed by Israel are essential. WHO’s attempts to deliver supplies to the enclave have often been obstructed or denied.
Humanitarian Crisis in Haiti
Tedros also raised concerns about a potential cholera outbreak in Haiti, cautioning that the current unrest in the country could reignite the epidemic. With violence escalating and armed gangs gaining power, over 360,000 people are internally displaced in Haiti, according to U.N. estimates.