Samantha Power, the director of the U.S. Agency for International Development, raised concerns about a famine in northern Gaza due to prolonged Israeli military operations. This region has been severely impacted and is struggling to receive aid.
Ms. Power’s acknowledgment of the hunger crisis in Gaza as a famine marked a significant moment. However, her agency later clarified that the assessment was based on data from March, not new information.
Despite no recent assessment, the situation in Gaza remains dire, according to U.S.A.I.D.
Warnings from aid agencies and experts have highlighted the imminent threat of extreme hunger for the 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza.
Ms. Power referenced a March report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification initiative during her congressional testimony. This report indicated that northern Gaza, heavily impacted by war, could face famine between mid-March and May.
The lack of access to aid due to damaged infrastructure in northern Gaza exacerbates the crisis, making it difficult for essential supplies to reach those in need.
During questioning, Ms. Power affirmed the credibility of the I.P.C. report and acknowledged the severity of the situation in Gaza.
The criteria for classifying a food shortage as a famine were discussed, emphasizing the alarming conditions faced by the population in Gaza.
Ms. Power highlighted the drastic increase in severe malnutrition among children in Gaza since the military offensive began in October.
The situation in Gaza demands urgent attention and action to prevent further suffering and loss of life.
2024-04-11 12:59:11
Original from www.nytimes.com