The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a critical warning that Northern Gaza is on the brink of imminent famine as Israel continues its military operations in the enclave. This alert comes just as the U.S. approaches a deadline for Israel to enhance humanitarian aid to the region, or face potential restrictions on military assistance.
On Saturday, WHO highlighted the dire humanitarian situation as the Biden administration set a deadline of November 12 for Israel to take meaningful actions to alleviate the ongoing crisis. President Joe Biden’s administration has indicated uncertainty regarding future U.S. policies toward Israel, particularly as he enters a lame-duck period following Donald Trump’s election victory.
Historically, Biden’s administration has been a strong supporter of Israel; however, tensions have arisen between him and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In contrast, Trump has openly backed Israel’s military actions, creating a sentiment of optimism among Israeli officials following his victory. Netanyahu praised Trump’s win as “history’s greatest comeback” in a public statement, reflecting a broader enthusiasm within Israel’s right-wing leadership.
The WHO’s warning about famine is based on urging from the Famine Review Committee, which stressed that swift action is needed “within days” to prevent a catastrophic situation. Reports indicate that while the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have announced plans to open the Kissufim crossing to facilitate aid, the actual delivery of relief remains insufficient. Since October, an average of only 18 aid trucks per day have entered Gaza, a stark decline from the more than 500 trucks reported before the current conflict escalated.
Despite these figures, the IDF reported the delivery of 220 seriously injured Palestinians and their caregivers out of Gaza last week, along with 713 trucks having entered the northern region of Gaza over several weeks. However, observers point out this does not meet the urgent need for aid as the situation continues to deteriorate.
The Israeli parliament also voted to halt operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), undermining essential services such as healthcare and education for over 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza. Oxfam America’s Scott Paul remarked that halting UNRWA’s activities would leave many vulnerable individuals without critical support, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
As the conflict rages on, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller criticized Israel’s compliance with aid requirements, stating the efforts were “not good enough.” There is speculation that a Trump administration may shift U.S. policies towards a more unyielding stance in support of Israel, raising concerns about the potential for heightened conflict in Gaza.
In disturbing findings, a United Nations Human Rights Office report indicated that nearly 70% of the verified casualties in Gaza are women and children, with children aged five to nine being the most affected. Local health officials estimate that at least 43,000 individuals have lost their lives since the beginning of the conflict, a figure the U.N. considers credible.
The IDF has maintained that it takes steps to minimize civilian harm, claiming every military operation is conducted with stringent assessments to reduce risks to non-combatants. Nonetheless, the IDF has distanced itself from controversial comments made by a brigadier general regarding residents of northern Gaza not being allowed to return.
Amid escalating violence, tens of thousands have fled to Gaza City in search of safety. Reports from Gaza’s civil defense indicate that Israeli airstrikes resulted in 25 fatalities on Saturday, leaving many trapped beneath rubble.
Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, emphasized the dire condition of residents in Northern Gaza, stating that the destruction witnessed is beyond imagination. Concerns are intensifying that a radical strategy, referred to as “the General’s Plan,” aims to either force evacuation of northern Gaza residents or label them as combatants.
While the IDF refutes the implementation of such a plan, a notable number of Israeli lawmakers support it, deepening worries for the future of the region’s humanitarian landscape.
Credit: NBC News
