News in brief:
– FAO warns of escalating food insecurity in Gaza, with over 2.2 million people at risk of famine due to conflict-induced disruptions.
– Urgent action is needed to restore humanitarian space, reopen border crossings, and address critical shortages in food and basic services to avert a humanitarian catastrophe.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has sounded the alarm on the dire situation unfolding in Gaza, where conflict-induced food insecurity has reached catastrophic levels. With over 2.2 million people at risk, urgent action is needed to prevent famine.
Deputy Director-General of FAO, Maurizio Martina, addressed the UN Security Council, emphasizing the critical need for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The restoration of humanitarian space is essential to deliver much-needed assistance and reinstate basic services. Martina stressed the urgency of reopening border crossings to ensure the uninterrupted flow of essential commodities, including food.
According to the latest analysis, the entire population of Gaza faces acute food insecurity, with approximately 50% in emergency conditions. Shockingly, more than a quarter of households are now in catastrophic or famine-like conditions.
Devastating impact on agrifood systems
The conflict has inflicted severe damage on agrifood systems, exacerbating the crisis:
- Fuel shortages have crippled water infrastructure and essential services.
- Electricity blackouts disrupt agricultural activities and food distribution.
- Shortages of safe water persist, further aggravating the situation.
- Restrictions on imports have depleted food stocks, leading to scarcity.
- Damage to bakeries has hampered bread production, a staple in Gaza.
- Agricultural production has been severely disrupted, impacting self-sufficiency.
Livestock owners face substantial losses, with high mortality rates among animals. The sea fishing sector, vital for nutrition and livelihoods, has ground to a halt due to infrastructure damage and restrictions.
The FAO’s plea for action comes in response to a UN report highlighting the escalating food insecurity in Gaza. Urgent intervention is needed to avert a humanitarian catastrophe.
