During a recent press conference in the Philippines, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, stating that the entire population is facing severe levels of acute food insecurity. This classification, according to Blinken, is unprecedented and underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in the region.
Blinken emphasized the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict on the civilian population, particularly women and children, and called on Israel to prioritize the protection of civilians caught in the crossfire. He stressed the importance of providing humanitarian aid to those in desperate need and urged Israel to have a post-war plan that balances its security needs with the well-being of Gaza's residents.
A recent UN-backed report revealed that all 2.2 million people in Gaza are experiencing food shortages, with half of the population on the brink of starvation. The report warned of a potential famine in northern Gaza by mid-2024 if immediate action is not taken to address the crisis.
In response to the escalating conflict, Blinken announced plans to visit Saudi Arabia and Egypt to engage with government leaders and discuss efforts to broker an immediate ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. He expressed hope that a resolution could be reached soon to prevent further suffering and loss of life in the region.
