Experts Raise Alarm on Gaza Famine at One Month Mark
WASHINGTON—Eighteen experienced humanitarian leaders and famine experts have issued an expert declaration raising the alarm on famine in Gaza and calling for swift action from states as leaders gather today for a summit on the future of the two-state solution in New York City.
Today marks one month since the UN’s declaration of famine in Gaza. Since then, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has continued to deteriorate.
The expert declaration shares a strong message: Gaza’s famine is real; Gaza’s famine is man-made; and Gaza’s famine can be stopped if the international community requires Israel to abide by international humanitarian law.
The declaration also:
- Outlines the significant shortfalls in food, health, nutrition, water and sanitation, and fuel in Gaza that have continued in the month since famine was declared;
- Underscores that Israeli government actions – imposing restrictions and bureaucratic impediments on humanitarian actors, imposing a months-long blockade on Gaza from March to May, attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure, and, most recently, launching a new military offensive into the heart of the famine zone – have been the primary drivers of famine in Gaza;
- Urges global leaders to utilize all diplomatic, political, and economic tools to ensure that Israel halts its assault on Gaza City and allows the UN-led humanitarian partners to mount a full and robust famine response operation.
“As diplomats gather at UNGA to discuss recognition of a Palestinian state, conditions on the ground are outpacing their deliberations,” said Refugees International President Jeremy Konyndyk, a former senior U.S. humanitarian official. “A month into Gaza’s famine, there is no more excuse: it is time for states to use all leverage they have to force action now and save lives.”
Read the full declaration and list of signatories here.
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For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Etant Dupain at edupain@refugeesinternational.org.