The World Food Programme's executive director declares a severe famine in Gaza.
Negotiators are convening in Cairo in an effort to reach a truce in the ongoing conflict, which has already claimed tens of thousands of lives within the Palestinian territory. This situation has highlighted the severity of the unfolding humanitarian disaster.
In a clip that will air on NBC's "Meet the Press," Cindy McCain, WFP representative, stated, "There is famine in the north, and it's moving south." Although McCain's statements do not equate to an official declaration of famine, they are based on observations made by WFP staff.
"It's absolute horror," McCain said, referring to the situation in Gaza. "It's so hard to look at, and it's so hard to hear." The WFP is advocating for a ceasefire and unrestricted access to Gaza, as humanitarian aid delivery has been a challenge.
Israel has been subjected to growing pressure to allow aid into Gaza, particularly after Israeli military action led to the deaths of seven staffers from World Central Kitchen, an American charity. Human rights organizations have issued repeated warnings about the impending humanitarian crisis in Gaza during Israel's military operations in response to the Hamas-led attacks on October 7. By May 1, the Gaza health ministry had documented over 34,600 deaths due to Israeli attacks.
More than 1.9 million Palestinians have been displaced as a result of the ongoing violence, and many have sought refuge in overcrowded tent camps. These temporary shelters provide inadequate food and sanitation resources for the entire population of approximately 2.2 million people. At least 30 children have already perished from malnutrition and dehydration in Gaza, according to the health ministry.
The possibility of an Israeli incursion into southern Gaza's Rafah has sparked renewed calls for a ceasefire. Currently, a few tents are being constructed in southern Gaza for the sole purpose of sheltering civilians who may be relocated, but the number is well below what would be needed to house the over 1 million people who would seek refuge.
Recent briefings from Israeli officials to humanitarian organizations reveal that plans are being made to evacuate people from Rafah. Israel is not yet ready to launch a large-scale operation, as it is not prepared for the care and nourishment of such a vast number of people. As of now, it appears that the operation is not imminent.
Any potential agreement regarding a temporary truce and the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza would likely be followed by more in-depth negotiations. A comprehensive deal between Israel and Hamas is projected to take several more days of negotiations in Cairo.
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Source: edition.cnn.com
