{"id":293822,"date":"2024-02-27T14:27:13","date_gmt":"2024-02-27T19:27:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&p=293822"},"modified":"2024-02-28T16:11:31","modified_gmt":"2024-02-28T21:11:31","slug":"famine-imminent-in-gaza-humanitarian-officials-tell-security-council-coverage-of-9560th-meeting-27feb2024","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/famine-imminent-in-gaza-humanitarian-officials-tell-security-council-coverage-of-9560th-meeting-27feb2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Famine Imminent in Gaza, Humanitarian Officials (OCHA, FAO, WFP) Tell Security Council, Calling for Immediate Ceasefire – Security Council- Press release"},"content":{"rendered":"
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27 February 2024<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

9560TH MTG (PM)<\/p>\n

SC\/15604<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Delegates Say Bakeries, Farms Destroyed, Children Eating Animal Fodder\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Three senior United Nations officials warned the Security Council today of imminent famine in the Gaza Strip, urging immediate action to avert humanitarian disaster in a territory where many Council members alleged the use of hunger as a weapon of war.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnfortunately, as grim as the picture we see today is, there is every possibility for further deterioration,\u201d observed Ramesh Rajasingham, Director of Coordination at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs<\/strong>.\u00a0 At least 576,000 people in Gaza \u2013 one-quarter of the population \u2013 are \u201cone step away from famine\u201d, he reported, adding that food-security experts warn of complete agricultural collapse in northern Gaza by May if conditions persist.\u00a0 Further, practically the entire population of the Strip is left to rely on woefully inadequate humanitarian food assistance to survive.<\/p>\n

He went on to stress, however, that the humanitarian community faces overwhelming obstacles just to get a \u201cbare minimum of supplies\u201d into the Strip \u2013 \u201clet alone mounting the multisectoral response that would be required to avert a famine\u201d.\u00a0 Moreover, he stressed that \u2013 \u201cwithout a doubt\u201d \u2013 very little will be possible while hostilities continue.\u00a0 Calling for a ceasefire, he said: \u201cIf nothing is done, we fear widespread famine in Gaza is almost inevitable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Also briefing the Council on food insecurity in Gaza was Maurizio Martina, Deputy Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)<\/strong>, who said that the risk of famine increases daily there.\u00a0Gaza\u2019s entire population is estimated to be in \u201ccrisis\u201d or worse, he emphasized \u2013 the highest percentage of people experiencing such acute food insecurity under this classification.\u00a0\u201cThe entire food supply chain has been affected in different ways,\u201d he deplored, urging the reopening of border crossings and calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf nothing changes, a famine is imminent in northern Gaza,\u201d warned Carl Skau<\/strong>, Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), stating: \u201c<\/strong>We must all live up to our responsibilities to ensure it does not happen on our watch.\u201d\u00a0However, without safe and greatly expanded access, aid workers cannot mount a relief operation at the scale required to reverse the severe humanitarian crisis in the Strip.\u00a0 On that, he reported that WFP was forced to pause deliveries of food to northern Gaza.\u00a0 \u201cWe have a duty to protect our staff,\u201d he emphasized.<\/p>\n

In the ensuing discussion, Council members expressed concern over worsening food insecurity in the Gaza Strip, with many characterizing the situation there as the use of starvation as a method of warfare.\u00a0 While members urged Israel to fulfil its obligations, most called on the Council to immediately act to prevent famine and save lives.<\/p>\n

One such member was Algeria\u2019s representative, who called for a humanitarian ceasefire while highlighting the link between food security and dignity. \u00a0Parents are using animal fodder to satisfy their children’s hunger. \u00a0The deliberate use of starvation is a blatant violation of international law, he underscored, adding that the Council\u2019s silence has become a license to kill and starve the Palestinian population.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there still any doubt about the gravity of the situation facing the Palestinian population?\u201d asked Ecuador\u2019s representative, calling for full implementation of resolutions 2712 (2023)<\/strong> and 2720 (2023)<\/strong> and a humanitarian ceasefire.\u00a0 He also underlined the importance of respecting the international-law prohibition against the use of hunger as a war tactic.<\/p>\n

China\u2019s representative, for his part, called on Israel to guarantee the safety of humanitarian agencies and personnel and to facilitate their deliveries in Gaza.\u00a0 Adding his voice to those calling for an immediate ceasefire to alleviate humanitarian disaster, he expressed hope that the \u201crelevant country\u201d will support Council action towards this end.<\/p>\n

Promoting food security is a long-standing priority for the United States, said that country\u2019s representative, as he urged Israel to keep border crossings open for humanitarian aid.\u00a0 He also reported that Washington, D.C., has worked with Egypt and Israel to open the Rafah crossing and has provided over $180\u00a0million to humanitarian organizations delivering assistance \u2014 including food to Gaza and the West Bank.<\/p>\n

Israel\u2019s representative emphasized that not one person in the Council wishes any child to go hungry \u2014 \u201cand this is precisely Israel\u2019s stance while combating Hamas\u201d.\u00a0 Noting that his country is going above and beyond what is expected \u2014 let alone required \u2014 to care for civilians, he said that, since Hamas\u2019 barbaric attack on 7\u00a0October, Israel has facilitated the delivery of 254,000 tons of aid.\u00a0 Further, it has been clear that there is no limit to the amount that can be sent.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter bombing nearly every bakery and farm, destroying livestock and all means of food production, and its closure of nearly all crossing points, the occupier claims that it is allowing humanitarian aid to enter Gaza,\u201d said the observer for the State of Palestine.\u00a0 However, Israel only allows minimal aid into Gaza as it continues with its genocidal crimes, including that of using starvation as a method of war.\u00a0 He stressed that allowing this to happen \u201cbrings shame on all of us, not least this Security Council\u201d.<\/p>\n

Briefings<\/u><\/strong><\/h4>\n

RAMESH RAJASINGHAM,\u00a0Director of Coordination at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs<\/u>, reporting on the grave situation in Gaza, said that currently at least 576,000 people there \u2014 one quarter of the population \u2014 are \u201cone step away from famine\u201d.\u00a0 One in six children under 2 years old in northern Gaza suffer from acute malnutrition and wasting, and practically the entire population of the Strip is left to rely on woefully inadequate humanitarian food assistance to survive.\u00a0 Nevertheless, he observed:\u00a0 \u201cUnfortunately, as grim as the picture we see today is, there is every possibility for further deterioration.\u201d\u00a0 Military operations, insecurity and extensive restrictions on the entry and delivery of essential goods have decimated food production and agriculture, and food-security experts warn of complete agricultural collapse in northern Gaza by May if conditions persist.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe hostilities and shortages of essential supplies, including electricity, fuel and water, have left food production at a virtual standstill,\u201d he said, noting that the five mills operating in Gaza prior to 7\u00a0October ceased operations as far back as November\u00a02023.\u00a0 Further, heavy damage to water infrastructure from fighting and the severing of power and fuel supplies in October have significantly affected access to water that is essential for food production.\u00a0Fishing \u2014 long an important source of nutrition and income in Gaza \u2014 has been practically impossible since 7\u00a0October when sea access for boats was prohibited.\u00a0 Additionally, a lack of fodder and water, as well as fighting, has claimed the lives of livestock, removing yet another important source of food and income.\u00a0 He also pointed out that the commercial sector \u2014 a key part of the food distribution network \u2014 has been crippled by a lack of local produce and extensive restrictions on commercial imports.<\/p>\n

He emphasized that hunger and the risk of famine are exacerbated by factors that go beyond just the availability of food.\u00a0 Inadequate water, sanitation and health services create a cycle of vulnerability, where malnourished people \u2014 especially among the tens of thousands injured \u2014 become more susceptible to disease that further depletes the body\u2019s nutritional reserves.\u00a0 \u201cAdd chronic overcrowding, exposure to the cold and an absence of adequate shelter to this lack of nutrition, and you have created the conditions for massive disease epidemics,\u201d he underscored.\u00a0 While emphasizing that humanitarian food assistance is now nearly the sole source of sustenance for people in Gaza, he stated that the humanitarian community is facing overwhelming obstacles just to get a \u201cbare minimum of supplies\u201d into the Strip \u2014 \u201clet alone mounting the multisectoral response that would be required to avert a famine\u201d.<\/p>\n

On that, he reported that efforts continue to be hindered by crossing closures, serious movement restrictions, access denials, onerous vetting procedures, incidents involving desperate civilians, protests and a breakdown in law and order, restrictions on communications and protective equipment and supply routes rendered impassable by damaged roads and unexploded ordnance.\u00a0 Further, the suspension of funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA) challenges the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ\u2019s capacity to mount an effective response.\u00a0 Pointing out that an estimated 1.7\u00a0million people \u2014 over three quarters of Gaza\u2019s population \u2014 reside in shelters run by the Agency and others, he said Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s operations in the region will be seriously compromised from March.\u00a0Moreover, he stressed that \u2014 \u201cwithout a doubt\u201d \u2014 very little will be possible while hostilities continue.\u00a0Calling for a ceasefire, he said:\u00a0\u201cIf nothing is done, we fear widespread famine in Gaza is almost inevitable.\u201d<\/p>\n

MAURIZIO MARTINA,\u00a0Deputy Director-General of the\u00a0Food and Agriculture Organization<\/u>\u00a0(FAO), highlighting the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis released in December that detailed the acute food insecurity in Gaza, noted that 378,000 people were estimated to be experiencing \u201ccatastrophe\u201d \u2014 the most severe phase of acute food insecurity, marked by starvation, critical levels of acute malnutrition and high levels of excess mortality.\u00a0 The risk of famine increases daily, he said, noting that the entire population of about 2.2\u00a0million people is estimated to be in \u201ccrisis\u201d or worse, the highest percentage of people experiencing such acute food insecurity under this classification.\u00a0 Since 9\u00a0October, Israel’s reinforced blockade of the Gaza Strip has included stopping or restricting food, electricity and fuel supplies as well as commercial goods.\u00a0 \u201cThe entire food supply chain has been affected in different ways,\u201d he deplored.<\/p>\n

He added that around 97\u00a0per\u00a0cent of the ground water in Gaza is reportedly unfit for human consumption. \u00a0Before the current conflict, Gaza\u2019s food production allowed self-sufficiency in most fruits and vegetables, but the conflict has severely disrupted this: \u00a0339 hectares of greenhouses have been destroyed, most severely in Gaza City, North Gaza and Khan Younis. \u00a0Moreover, the harvest of olives and citrus fruits, which provides an important source of income, has been heavily impacted by the hostilities. \u00a0It is crucial to restore safe and sustained humanitarian access throughout the Gaza Strip and to all those in need of lifesaving assistance, he said.\u00a0 Border crossings should be reopened, including for commercial traffic, and essential commodities must be allowed to move into and throughout Gaza, he underscored, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.<\/p>\n

CARL SKAU,\u00a0Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme<\/u>\u00a0(WFP), said that the Famine Review Committee has warned of a real prospect of famine by May, with 500,000 people at risk. \u00a0WFP is ready to swiftly expand and scale up its operations if there is a ceasefire agreement.\u00a0 The risk of famine is being fuelled by the inability to bring critical food supplies into Gaza in sufficient quantities, and \u201cthe almost impossible\u201d operating conditions for its staff on the ground. \u00a0On 18\u00a0February, WFP resumed deliveries to the north for the first time in three weeks. \u00a0However, he continued, on 18 and 19\u00a0February, WFP\u2019s convoys faced significant problems, including delays at checkpoints; gunfire and other violence; and looting of food along the way and at their destination.\u00a0 They were overwhelmed by desperately hungry people.\u00a0 As a result, the organization has been forced to pause deliveries of food to the north. \u00a0\u201cThis is not a decision WFP has taken lightly, as we know it means conditions will worsen, and more people will be at risk of dying from hunger-related causes,\u201d he stressed. \u00a0\u201cWe have a duty to protect our staff.\u201d\u00a0 WFP is urgently exploring all viable delivery options to allow the resumption of operations in northern Gaza.<\/p>\n

Immediate action is required to enable a huge increase in the volume of food and other humanitarian supplies going into northern Gaza, he said, adding that this is the only way to calm tensions and restore some semblance of civil order.\u00a0 To this end, a safe and functioning operating environment for humanitarian staff is paramount. \u00a0Additionally, the port of Ashdod and the Karni crossing must be open. \u00a0He also underlined the need for a working humanitarian notification system and a stable communications network to keep humanitarian staff safe. \u00a0\u201cIf nothing changes, a famine is imminent in northern Gaza,\u201d he warned, stating: \u00a0\u201cWe must all live up to our responsibilities to ensure it does not happen on our watch.\u201d\u00a0 In the south of Gaza, WFP and partners are on the ground, delivering food as it comes to shelters, make-shift camps and shops. \u00a0However, most food is distributed in Rafah \u2014 the hub for WFP\u2019s current operations in Gaza \u2014 and very little assistance reaches people elsewhere.\u00a0Without safe and greatly expanded access, aid workers cannot mount a relief operation at the scale required to reverse the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.\u00a0 Averting famine requires much more than just food supplies. \u00a0Basic services must also be restored, including health services, electricity networks, and water and sanitation pipelines.\u00a0Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵWRA is the only organization able to oversee and manage this vital infrastructure in Gaza, he emphasized.<\/p>\n

Statements<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Guyana<\/u>, Security Council President for February, speaking in her national capacity, stressed:\u00a0 \u201cWe could expect at least 115 deaths daily from starvation or disease,\u201d should the situation worsen to that stage.\u00a0 The circumstances that have led to the current situation are pegged to one factor:\u00a0the continued blatant disregard for international law, with violations including bombardment of civilian infrastructure, destruction of indispensable civilian objects, blockade and siege.\u00a0Warning that the planned military ground operation in the south will further worsen an already desperate situation, she called on the Council to stop the blatant violations being committed by a Member State. \u00a0Those with influence on the perpetrators should urge their full compliance with international law, she added.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Switzerland<\/u>\u00a0said that escalating hostilities and resulting food insecurity in Gaza have exacerbated an already-worrying situation of structural poverty resulting from restrictions on movement and humanitarian access imposed as part of the 16-year closure of the Strip.\u00a0Recalling the 26\u00a0January order of the International Court of Justice, he stated that Israel must take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgent aid to Palestinians in Gaza.\u00a0 Additionally, commercial food supplies must be guaranteed so that local markets can be re-established.\u00a0 Emphasizing that humanitarian aid alone cannot meet the needs of more than 2\u00a0million people, he said that access to fuel and cash must also be facilitated, and children, women and vulnerable groups must be protected by responding to their specific needs.\u00a0 Calling on the Council to urgently act to prevent famine and save lives, he added:\u00a0\u201cThere must be an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.\u201d<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Algeria<\/u>\u00a0pointed to the linkage between food security and dignity, calling for a ceasefire.\u00a0About 90\u00a0per\u00a0cent of children under five are dealing with one or more diseases while enduring extremely poor diets.\u00a0 \u201cWaiting until this percentage reaches 100 is not an option,\u201d he asserted. \u00a0Highlighting the suffering of pregnant women, lactating mothers and the elderly, he added that people in Gaza face the harrowing dilemma of perishing immediately in bombings or enduring an agonizing starvation-induced death.\u00a0 With WFP suspending deliveries to northern Gaza due to safety concerns for both distributors and recipients, parents are using animal fodder to satisfy their children’s hunger. \u00a0The deliberate use of starvation is a blatant violation of international law. \u00a0Council resolutions 2712 (2023) and 2720 (2023) are proving ineffective on the ground, he said, adding that the Council\u2019s silence has become a license to kill and starve the Palestinian population.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Slovenia<\/u>\u00a0said that Gaza\u2019s entire population is facing the highest share of acute food insecurity ever classified worldwide.\u00a0 Voicing concern over the distressing evidence for the conflict-induced hunger and risk of famine, he reiterated that international humanitarian law prohibits attacks on objects indispensable to the survival of civilians.\u00a0 It also strictly prohibits starvation as a method of warfare.\u00a0 Accordingly, he called for unhindered humanitarian access across Gaza by opening additional crossing points and simplifying entry procedures for humanitarian aid.\u00a0 He expressed regret that WFP was forced to suspend their deliveries to northern Gaza.\u00a0He observed that Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA is the lifeline for the Palestinian people and the backbone of the humanitarian response in the enclave, citing Slovenia\u2019s announcement of additional contribution to the Agency.\u00a0 However, \u201conly a ceasefire (\u2026) can guarantee the delivery of humanitarian aid without interruption, ensuring adequate, timely assistance\u201d, he emphasized.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0United States<\/u>\u00a0affirmed that promoting food security is a long-standing\u00a0American priority, including in Gaza, urging Israel to keep border crossings open for humanitarian aid.\u00a0Expressing\u00a0profound concern for the well-being of the more than 1\u00a0million Palestinian civilians in Rafah, he stressed that \u201cit is unconscionable that Hamas fighters continue to embed themselves among civilians and civilian infrastructure\u201d. \u00a0A major ground offensive should not proceed\u00a0there under current circumstances.\u00a0 The United\u00a0States has worked tirelessly with Egypt and Israel to open the crossing at Rafah\u00a0and\u00a0provided over\u00a0$180\u00a0million to humanitarian organizations delivering assistance, including food to Gaza and the West Bank. \u00a0Calling\u00a0for the protection of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and humanitarian workers, he urged\u00a0Israel to ensure aid can move safely and securely.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0China<\/u>\u00a0called on Israel to fulfil its obligations as an occupying Power; implement relevant Council resolutions; open all sea, land and air access routes; and ensure the safe, unimpeded entry of humanitarian supplies into Gaza.\u00a0 Further, Israel must guarantee the safety of humanitarian agencies and personnel and facilitate their deliveries in Gaza.\u00a0 He also stated that Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA is a \u201clifeline\u201d for the people there, underscoring its \u201cindispensable and irreplaceable\u201d role.\u00a0 While expressing support for an independent, impartial Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ investigation into allegations against certain Agency staff, he called on the international community to continue supporting Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA and other humanitarian agencies.\u00a0 Major donors should promptly resume funding the Agency.\u00a0 Adding that an immediate ceasefire is necessary to protect civilians, deliver assistance and alleviate humanitarian disaster, he expressed hope that the \u201crelevant country\u201d will support Council action towards this end.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Ecuador<\/u>\u00a0asked: \u00a0\u201cIs there still any doubt about the gravity of the situation facing the Gaza population?\u201d \u00a0Highlighting the collapse of local production, the severe restrictions on water supplies, destruction of civilian infrastructure and paralysis of the commercial sector, he expressed alarm that almost the entire population finds itself at a level of food insecurity that FAO describes as unprecedented. \u00a0Calling for the full implementation of Council resolutions 2712 (2023) and 2720 (2023), he said a humanitarian ceasefire is indispensable. \u00a0Preventing famines and food crises means that the parties need to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, he said, highlighting the importance of respecting the principles of distinction and proportionality as well as the prohibition on the use of hunger as a war tactic.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0France<\/u>\u00a0said that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is beyond comprehension, and the human toll is intolerable. \u00a0He called for the full implementation of resolution 2417 (2018), which condemned for the first time the use of famine as a weapon of war, the denial of humanitarian access and the deprivation of civilians of goods essential to their survival. \u00a0All actors \u2014 including Israel \u2014 must comply with international humanitarian law, he said, underscoring the need to deliver humanitarian assistance to the civilian population of Gaza, including in the north. \u00a0To this end, Israel must open the port of Ashdod and all necessary crossing points.\u00a0France will continue to support the humanitarian response in Gaza, he said, adding that, together with Jordan, it delivered a new airdrop of humanitarian aid directly to the Strip and sent new humanitarian cargo to support Egyptian hospitals in treating the ill. \u00a0He also rejected a ground offensive in Rafah, which would lead to another unprecedented humanitarian disaster.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0United Kingdom<\/u>\u00a0cited a desperate situation in Gaza that is worsening day-by-day, calling on all parties to the conflict to stop fighting immediately. \u00a0She further urged Israel to allow more aid into Gaza \u2014 with thousands of trucks stuck in Egypt and Jordan, containing food, shelter and other essentials. \u00a0\u201cWe need more crossings opened for longer, including Kerem-Shalom,\u201d she stressed, with unencumbered access for aid from Jordan, the full opening of Ashdod Port, and increased speed and capacity of aid screening operations.\u00a0 Voicing concern that the World Food Programme (WFP) has had to suspend deliveries into northern Gaza, she emphasized that airdrops cannot substitute for land-based delivery.\u00a0 Calling on Israel to resume water and electricity supplies, she noted that commercial activity must also be restarted.\u00a0 Further, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and humanitarian partners need greater protection and access to the tools needed to accomplish their mission.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0Republic of Korea<\/u>, underscoring that intergenerational consequences of food insecurity in Gaza \u201care inevitable\u201d, called for urgent, decisive measures.\u00a0 \u201cAbove all, we must ensure consistent and expanded entry of food aid through all available crossing points, as well as through a maritime corridor,\u201d he stressed.\u00a0 Delivery of commercial goods into Gaza should also be ensured, and any hindrance to the delivery of life-saving assistance \u2014 such as Israeli protestors at the Kerem Shalom border crossing \u2014 is unacceptable.\u00a0 He also underlined the need to scale-up funding for humanitarian aid, reporting that his country has decided to increase its contribution to the Central Emergency Response Fund threefold in 2024.\u00a0 Seoul maintains its contribution to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA, he added.\u00a0Reiterating the call for a ceasefire, he stated that this is \u201cthe only viable way to ensure safe and unimpeded access to food for those who so desperately need it\u201d.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Japan<\/u>\u00a0recalled that an aid worker for Save the Children in Gaza saw people eating animal food and tree leaves, and scavenging food that has already been eaten by rats. \u00a0Highlighting his Government\u2019s announcement of additional emergency aid to Gaza, he said all parties to the conflict must respect international humanitarian law, which clearly prohibits attacking, destroying, removing or rendering useless objects that are indispensable to the survival of the civilian population.\u00a0These include food stuffs, agricultural areas, crops, livestock, drinking water installations and supplies, and irrigation works. \u00a0Further, it is vital to allow more trucks and fuel to reach Gaza, he said, urging Israel to open additional border crossings and secure humanitarian corridors. \u00a0Condemning the heinous acts of terror by Hamas and others on 7\u00a0October, he called for a humanitarian ceasefire.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Sierra Leone<\/u>\u00a0expressed deep concern that the ongoing violence in Gaza is hindering an effective humanitarian response to civilians in need.\u00a0 The 1.7\u00a0million internally displaced persons who cannot access or cultivate their land are deprived of enough food and water desperately needed for their survival.\u00a0 According to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Children\u2019s Fund (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵICEF), children in southern Gaza could only access 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day, a portion below the standard requirement for survival. \u00a0With the collapse of the health system in Gaza, health conditions exacerbated by a lack of food and water could not be treated appropriately.\u00a0The sight of children dying of hunger is \u201charrowing at best\u201d, he said, urging the Council to use the myriad of tools available to address it.\u00a0 Calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and adequate funding to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA, he rejected any attempt to conduct military operations in Rafah.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Mozambique<\/u>\u00a0warned that the intensification and expansion of attacks in the Gaza Strip has been causing massive civilian deaths, millions of injuries and forced displacement, as well as the destruction of civilian infrastructure. \u00a0The catastrophic situation on the ground calls for urgent and effective measures to minimize loss of life and uphold human dignity, he affirmed.\u00a0The urgency of protecting civilians is heightened by the threat of an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah, where approximately 1.5\u00a0million people are seeking shelter. \u00a0He called for global and effective measures to protect them and enable the provision of needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to address the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.\u00a0 \u201cTo this end, an immediate and urgent cessation of hostilities is crucial,\u201d he stressed.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0Russian Federation<\/u>, noting that \u201cevery fourth Gazan is a step away from death,\u201d said it is difficult to acknowledge this occurs in 2024 and not the Middle Ages.\u00a0 There is no issue with the availability of assistance to Gaza; however, due to Israel\u2019s stringent measures, only a minimal amount of assistance enters Gaza, and only in the south.\u00a0 Recalling that resolution 2720 (2023) was meant to drastically improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, he pointed out that \u201cweak wording\u201d brought into the text by the United States hindered this goal.\u00a0 The only imperative must be to prevent mass starvation in Gaza through an immediate ceasefire, he stressed.\u00a0 However, all Council attempts towards this end have been blocked by the United States, who has used its veto four times for this purpose.\u00a0 By doing so, Washington, D.C., bears full responsibility for the unprecedented number of civilian victims in Gaza, he said, stating that the cost of such vetoes is 30,000 lives.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Malta<\/u>, noting that nearly 600,000 people are on the brink of famine in Gaza, said this catastrophic level of food insecurity is the direct result of Israel\u2019s military campaign and its inability to abide by its legal obligations to facilitate unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance. \u00a0Calling for the reopening of Port Ashdod, she said further crossing points must be reopened immediately to allow adequate scaling up of aid. \u00a0A permanent ceasefire is crucial, now more than ever, she said, noting that vast swathes of crucial arable land have been destroyed and agricultural infrastructure has suffered intense damage. \u00a0Denouncing any forced displacement of Palestinians from their lands or homes, she expressed concern about public statements in Israel expressing the intent to deprive civilians in Gaza of food, water and fuel and underscored the vital role of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0United States<\/u>, taking the floor for a second time, said that \u201cthe Russian Federation is a country that does not contribute to resolving humanitarian crises; it creates them\u201d.\u00a0The Ukrainian people must live under barbaric bombings and killings every single day, he said, noting that Moscow is in no position to criticize any country while it continues to violate the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Charter.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0Russian Federation<\/u>, speaking for a second time, stated that his United States counterpart \u201cshould be ashamed of comparing the situation in Ukraine to Gaza\u201d.\u00a0 Moscow is not bombing the civilian population of Ukraine barbarically. Comparing the scale of the two situations is impossible.\u00a0 Further, he asked why there should be a lecture from the country that carpet-bombed and destroyed Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Yugoslavia.\u00a0\u201cBefore you next try to see a mote in my eye, you should see the beam in yours,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n

Taking the floor for a third time, the representative of the\u00a0United States<\/u>\u00a0said he was not comparing the two situations; rather he was asking if the Russian Federation is not bombing Ukraine.<\/p>\n

Responding, the representative of the\u00a0Russian Federation<\/u>\u00a0said the Council must not become a stage for a duel between his country and the United States. \u00a0Moscow is targeting military infrastructure in Ukraine, he said, proposing that they should stop now and continue sparring during meetings on Ukraine.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine<\/u>\u00a0called for a humanitarian ceasefire as \u201can utmost priority\u201d to stop the bloodshed and protect Palestinian civilians in Gaza, citing unprecedented casualties \u2014 more than 30,000 dead and 70,000 wounded.\u00a0 Food insecurity in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, with over half a million people considered to be \u201cone step away from famine\u201d, he said, adding: \u00a0\u201cWhat it means for mothers and fathers to hear their babies and children cry of hunger day and night, no milk, no bread, nothing.\u201d\u00a0 Condemning Israel\u2019s calculated, sinister decisions to lay siege to Gaza, he said that \u201cafter bombing nearly every bakery and farm, destroying livestock and all means of food production, and its closure of nearly all crossing points, the occupier claims that it is allowing humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.\u201d\u00a0 However, \u201cit is only allowing a drip of aid into Gaza,\u201d only to deflect international opprobrium and with no regard whatsoever for the survival of the population that it has made clear time and again that it wants to get rid of.<\/p>\n

Israel \u2014 the architect of this human and humanitarian catastrophe \u2014 has completely ignored the order of the International Court of Justice and continues with its genocidal crimes, including the crime of starvation as a method of war, he pointed out.\u00a0 \u201cThat this catastrophic famine and genocide has been allowed to happen at all (\u2026) brings shame on all of us, not least this Security Council,\u201d he asserted.\u00a0 Israel\u2019s use of starvation as a weapon of war goes hand in hand with its policies aimed at the forced transfer of Palestinians from their land.\u00a0 Its threatened invasion of Rafah heightens real fears in this regard.\u00a0 Additionally, he said that starving Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA of funds \u2014 based on the alleged, still-unproven acts of a few \u2014 means starving desperate Palestine refugees and displaced families in Gaza of the Agency\u2019s life-saving aid.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Israel<\/u>\u00a0emphasized that not one person in the Council wishes any child to go hungry, \u201cand this is precisely Israel\u2019s stance while combating Hamas\u201d \u2014 a terror group that adheres to no rules other than their intent to murder and terrorize Jews.\u00a0Noting that the country is going above and beyond what is expected let alone required to care for civilians, he cited humanitarian aid moving through both the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings, with a delivery channel via Jordan. \u00a0Since Hamas\u2019 barbaric attack on 7\u00a0October, Israel has facilitated the delivery of 254,000 tons of aid, and has been clear that there is no limit to the amount that can be sent. \u00a0Despite continued attacks by Hamas, 20 Gaza bakeries are fully operational through the entry of large quantities of flour, cooking gas and diesel fuel, producing over 2\u00a0million pita breads per day.<\/p>\n

He emphasized that claims made by some briefers neglected to fully address the true obstacles to peace and stability, also propagating Hamas lies. \u00a0Over 500 aid trucks have been waiting on the guardsmen side of Kerem Shalom and Rafah \u2014 and while Israel has already approved them, it is \u201clibelously held responsible for a situation that is clearly the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ\u2019s fault\u201d. \u00a0The conduct of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ in the field must be streamlined; while it has also refused to deliver to northern Gaza.\u00a0 Further, aid diversion and theft and looting by Hamas have never been addressed in the Council, which is also long overdue in condemning \u201cHamas\u2019 use of human shields and building of tunnels under civilian infrastructure\u201d.\u00a0 \u201cWhile humanitarian aid continues to enter Gaza, 134 hostages still have not come out\u201d from Hamas\u2019 dark terror tunnels, he stressed \u2014 yet they are hardly an afterthought. \u00a0Israel is still waiting for the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ to dedicate a meeting to the protection of the hostages and will continue to demand their immediate and unconditional release.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Tunisia<\/u>, speaking for the Arab Group, noted that after four months of genocide, with malnutrition and hunger spreading widely, Gaza\u2019s population is forced to feed on animal feed and leaves.\u00a0 Hundreds of humanitarian aid trucks are stuck at checkpoints, unable to enter due to the occupation force\u2019s action.\u00a0 Depriving the Palestinian people of all means of survival is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and human rights law, he said, adding that the Security Council and international community cannot remain silent before these war crimes. \u00a0\u201cThe number of victims of the displaced and hungry are not just empty numbers that we are repeating meeting after meeting,\u201d he said, underscoring that they represent indescribable suffering and constitute proof of the international community\u2019s \u2014 specifically the Council\u2019s \u2014 failure.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will not wonder as to when the Security Council will take action,\u201d he added, highlighting the pointlessness of questions such as \u201chow many Palestinians need to die\u201d which are never answered.\u00a0 However, this suspicious silence is a source of shame and sets a tragic serious precedent.\u00a0Stressing the need for unimpeded humanitarian assistance of sufficient quality and scale to put an end to the suffering of Gaza\u2019s people, he also expressed support for the efforts of Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag.\u00a0 Reiterating the vital role of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA, he opposed any attempts to expand the mandate of the Coordinator to the detriment of that Agency, whose mandate is clearly defined under Assembly resolution 302. \u00a0Condemning the occupation authorities\u2019 attempts to dismantle the Agency, he said that donor countries who have suspended their contributions to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA must revisit that decision and take urgent measures to guarantee sufficient and lasting funding.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Pakistan<\/u>\u00a0said that Israeli forces have levelled Gaza cities and brazenly destroyed agricultural land and the fishing fleet there.\u00a0 Obstructing Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s mandate or defunding its operations will have further disastrous consequences for the traumatized Gazans and contribute to their collective punishment.\u00a0Additionally, Israel is now preparing for a ground offensive on Rafah, which will further intensify the suffering of the Palestinians.\u00a0 Against this backdrop, he stressed the need to secure a complete and durable ceasefire without any conditions; implement and enforce the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice; and halt the demonization of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA.\u00a0He pledged that Pakistan will work through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, in cooperation with the Arab Group, to scale up humanitarian assistance to Gaza and explore additional options for alleviating the imminent famine situation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

27 February 2024 9560TH MTG (PM) SC\/15604 Delegates Say Bakeries, Farms Destroyed, Children Eating Animal Fodder\u00a0 Three senior United Nations officials warned the Security Council today of imminent famine in the Gaza Strip, urging immediate action to avert humanitarian disaster in a territory where many Council members alleged the use of hunger as a weapon […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":299,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[660,759,807,834,867,897,906,969,5248,1035,1593,1065,1074,5836,1119,1152,1179,2321,2553],"document-category":[1329],"document-source":[2761,2169,1362,2109],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[2517,4457,1769,1945,1829,2265,2005,5200,6870,2309,6845],"entity":[1729],"document-language":[6542],"class_list":["post-293822","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","country-algeria","country-china","country-ecuador","country-france","country-guyana","country-israel","country-japan","country-malta","country-mozambique","country-pakistan","country-palestine-state-of","country-republic-of-korea","country-russian-federation","country-sierra-leone","country-slovenia","country-switzerland","country-tunisia","country-united-kingdom","country-united-states-of-america","document-category-press-release","document-source-food-and-agriculture-organization-fao","document-source-office-for-the-coordination-of-humanitarian-affairs-ocha","document-source-security-council","document-source-world-food-programme-wfp","document-subject-access-and-movement","document-subject-agriculture","document-subject-armed-conflict","document-subject-assistance","document-subject-casualties","document-subject-ceasefire","document-subject-gaza-strip","document-subject-humanitarian-relief","document-subject-hunger","document-subject-protection","document-subject-protection-of-civilians","entity-united-nations-system","document-language-english"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/293822","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/document"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/299"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/293822\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":293831,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/293822\/revisions\/293831"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=293822"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=293822"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=293822"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=293822"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=293822"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=293822"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=293822"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=293822"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}