UN: Hunger crisis grows in Gaza

In a written statement regarding the situation in Gaza, which is under Israeli attack, the Rome-based WFP stated, "One in four households in Gaza is currently facing extreme hunger, and there is a risk of famine unless access to sufficient food, clean water, health, and sanitation services is provided, according to the new 'Integrated Food Security Phase Classification' (IPC)."

The WFP's latest food security analysis report on Gaza reported that the entire population of Gaza (approximately 2.2 million people) is in a crisis or worse level of acute food insecurity.

The statement noted, "The IPC report highlighted that 26 percent of Gazans (576,600 people) have exhausted their food supplies and coping capacities and are facing catastrophic levels of hunger (IPC Phase 5)."

The IPC report also stated that "there is a risk of famine occurring within the next 6 months if the current intense conflict and limited humanitarian access continue."

"Many adults go hungry so that children can eat"

The statement conveyed that people in Gaza told WFP staff that they often spend their days without eating, and that many adults go hungry so that children can eat.

WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain, whose views were included in the statement, said: "WFP has been warning of this looming catastrophe for weeks. Unfortunately, without the safe and regular access we have been calling for, the situation is desperate. No one in Gaza is safe from hunger. We cannot stand by and watch people starve. Immediate humanitarian access is needed for supplies to reach Gaza and for civilians to safely receive life-saving aid. What is needed most right now is peace. WFP reiterates its call for a humanitarian ceasefire. The world must come together to save lives."