Famine Looms Over Gaza: A Crisis in Blockade-Induced Hunger

The Gaza Strip faces a dire humanitarian crisis as experts warn of an impending famine if Israel's blockade continues. Nearly half a million Palestinians are at risk of starvation, and another million face emergency hunger levels. International authorities urge immediate action to alleviate the growing crisis.

Food security experts have raised the alarm over the critical risk of famine in the Gaza Strip, urging Israel to lift its blockade and halt its military campaign. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification warned that outright famine is likely if conditions remain unchanged.

According to the international authority's findings, nearly half a million Palestinians are experiencing catastrophic hunger levels, with possible starvation, while an additional million are at emergency hunger levels. The report highlights the severity of the crisis due to the ongoing restrictions on aid.

Since the blockade began 10 weeks ago, Israel has prohibited the entry of food, medicine, and other essential goods into Gaza. The territory's reliance on outside aid has been compounded by the 19-month Israeli military campaign, which has devastated local food production. Despite requests, Israeli authorities have yet to comment on the report, maintaining the blockade to press Hamas for the release of hostages.

(With inputs from agencies.)