Children starving to death as famine confirmed in Gaza
Famine has been confirmed in Gaza for the first time by the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), in a new report published today.
The report has found that severe malnutrition is threatening the lives of over 130,000 Palestinian children, while over 600,000 people – nearly a third of Gaza’s population – are experiencing the most catastrophic levels of food shortages.
Kathleen Spencer Chapman, Director of Influencing and External Affairs at global children’s charity Plan International UK said:
“The fatal consequences of Israel’s weaponisation of hunger and withholding of humanitarian aid are devastatingly clear for all to see. This is an entirely man-made hunger catastrophe that is killing Gazan children every day.
“While Plan International has recently delivered critically needed aid into Gaza, far more is required to prevent continued catastrophic loss of life. Until Israel ends its illegal blockade of life-saving aid at Gaza’s borders, children will continue to die painfully and needlessly.
“The world cannot continue to look on while Gazan children and their families are deliberately starved to death. We renew our urgent calls for the end of all UK arms sales to Israel, an immediate and sustained ceasefire, and the complete lifting of Israel’s illegal blockade of humanitarian aid. This must include dismantling the so-called ‘Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’ - a cruel deathtrap that has killed thousands simply seeking food and basic humanitarian assistance.”
Plan International UK Press Office
Tel: 0300 777 7374
Email: [email protected]