Middle East

UN chief warns of 'intolerable' looming famine in Gaza amid Israel's aid restrictions

'Crossing points must open immediately, bureaucratic impediments must be removed,' says Antonio Guterres

Merve Gül Aydoğan Ağlarcı  | 17.10.2024 - Update : 17.10.2024
UN chief warns of 'intolerable' looming famine in Gaza amid Israel's aid restrictions Palestinians, including children wait in queues as a charity organization distributes food to the Palestinians who take refuge as the Israeli attacks continue in Gaza City, Gaza on September 12, 2024.

HAMILTON, Canada 

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday warned of “intolerable” looming famine in the Gaza Strip. 

"Alarmed by today’s IPC (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification) report findings that high displacement and restrictions on humanitarian aid flows mean people in Gaza are facing catastrophic levels of hunger," Guterres wrote on X.


Reacting to the latest findings from the UN's IPC report, Guterres stressed the gravity of the crisis, saying: "Famine looms. This is intolerable."


Guterres further said that "crossing points must open immediately, bureaucratic impediments must be removed, and law and order restored so UN agencies can deliver lifesaving humanitarian assistance."

According to the latest IPC report, approximately 345,000 Gazans are at risk of facing "catastrophic" levels of hunger due failing aid deliveries.

The report also said that the level of aid provided to Gaza in September dropped to its lowest point since March.

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