News in Brief:
– FAO collaborates with Italian government to launch urgent emergency agricultural aid to local farmers in Gaza.
– Dongyu, the organisation’s chief, emphasises the critical need for immediate action as 378,000 people are at risk of starvation in the region.
In a critical response to the worsening food insecurity crisis in Gaza, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) collaborates with the Italian Government to launch a strategic aid initiative.
Director-General QU Dongyu, FAO’s chief, expressed gratitude for Italy’s support, in a statement, while emphasising the urgent need to address the dire situation affecting local farmers.
He mentioned that this collaboration marks the commencement of an initiative to revive key agrifood systems in Gaza. The focus is on providing farmers with emergency agricultural aid to boost food production. The initiative aims to counter the challenges faced by farmers, fishers, and herders who lack the means to sustain food production.
FAO response and collaborative efforts in Gaza conflict amidst famine threat
The food organisation has been actively involved in accessing affected areas, working closely with the Italian government and other agencies. Italy contributed $7 million to support the delivery of food and agriculture inputs into Gaza. This aid is crucial as the region grapples with compromised food accessibility and availability.
The situation in northern Gaza is particularly alarming, with limited humanitarian access. Dongyu applauds Deputy Prime Minister Tajani’s efforts while urging the rest of the world to join the efforts to ease civilian suffering by facilitating urgent delivery of assistance on a large scale.
The most recent Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report reveals a concerning trajectory towards starvation, with 378,000 people at risk. FAO’s DG stresses the importance of immediate collective action to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.
The UN humanitarian food body reveals its committment to supporting Egypt as a crucial point of access into Gaza and urges collaboration with other agencies to reach the vulnerable population.
As Ramadan begins, urgent efforts are underway to ensure the people of Gaza have access to nutritious foods. FAO emphasises that peace is a prerequisite for food security and reiterates that the right to food is a fundamental human right.
