NEW YORK: The head of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), Cindy McCain, has declared a “full-blown famine” in northern Gaza after months of relentless bombing and Israeli restrictions on food deliveries to the besieged Palestinian enclave.
Speaking during an interview with NBC’s “Meet The Press,” McCain emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “Whenever you have conflicts like this, and emotions rage high, and things happen in a war, famine happens.” She underscored the urgent need for humanitarian intervention as the crisis continues to escalate.
Although the United Nations has previously stated that famine was “imminent” in Gaza, McCain’s declaration marks a significant acknowledgment of the dire conditions facing residents of the territory. Her assessment aligns with earlier remarks by Samantha Power, Director of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), who deemed it credible to assess that famine is occurring in portions of Gaza.
Despite the absence of an official declaration of famine, McCain stressed the gravity of the situation, highlighting the urgent need for action to address the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. She emphasized the importance of facilitating aid delivery to the region, particularly in providing essential resources such as water, sanitation, and medicine to those in need.
Efforts to provide food aid to Gaza have faced various challenges, including Israeli resistance and relentless airstrikes. The recent resumption of operations by the US-based nonprofit organization World Central Kitchen underscores the persistent obstacles faced by humanitarian agencies in delivering assistance to Gaza.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the international community to do everything possible to prevent a “human-made famine” in Gaza. Guterres emphasized the imperative of ensuring safe and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout the territory. He asked Israel to facilitate aid delivery and protect humanitarian personnel and facilities.
Guterres emphasized the critical role of UNRWA in providing essential services to Palestinians across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. He underscored the agency’s indispensable work in supporting vulnerable communities.
