COMMENT: Facing Famine: The Dire Need for Humanitarian Assistance in Gaza

In the previous article, we began to explore one of the most urgent issues driving the need for humanitarian assistance, which is the persistent food insecurity and escalating levels of malnutrition in vulnerable communities. The ongoing war in Gaza has triggered a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with over 1.8 million people facing extreme hunger. This conflict has resulted in widespread destruction of essential infrastructure, particularly agricultural systems, which has severely compromised food production and access. As of December 2024, approximately 86% of Gaza's population is experiencing crisis levels of hunger, rendering many families unable to secure sufficient food for their daily needs. 

A UN-backed food security assessment released in October [1] underscores the severity of the situation. It revealed that “More than 1.8 million Palestinians in Gaza are experiencing 'extremely critical' levels of hunger,” with 70% of crop fields destroyed and livelihoods devastated during the ongoing military offensive. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) initiative indicates that around 133,000 individuals—roughly 6% of Gaza's population—are currently classified as experiencing Phase 5, or “Catastrophic” food insecurity. This classification signifies an extreme lack of food and a complete exhaustion of coping mechanisms, which leads to starvation and a significantly heightened risk of acute malnutrition and death. Alarmingly, forecasts suggest that this number could rise to approximately 345,000 individuals—equivalent to 16% of the population—during the winter months, heightening the risk of famine across the Gaza Strip. This humanitarian crisis is also being compounded by a severe water shortage in northern Gaza. 

To mitigate the impending crisis, the IPC emphasises the necessity of ensuring widespread access to adequate food, medical supplies, clean water, and essential services throughout Gaza. This requires an immediate, unconditional, and sustained ceasefire, along with the restoration of food systems and comprehensive measures to prevent and manage rising malnutrition rates. While many may choose to turn a blind eye to the suffering of those in Gaza, UN agencies continue their efforts to provide assistance despite significant challenges, including insecurity and restricted access. For instance, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is focused on revitalising local food production and ensuring the availability of nutritious food. However, critical deliveries of supplies have been disrupted at the Kerem Shalom crossing due to looting by armed groups, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated international action to safeguard humanitarian efforts. 

Amidst this dire situation, it is essential to recognise that making comparisons between different conflicts to determine which one deserves greater attention is fundamentally flawed and often unjustifiable. Such comparisons can trivialise the suffering of individuals affected by violence and conflict, reducing complex realities to a hierarchy of importance that obscures the rich tapestry of human experiences involved. Each conflict arises from unique historical, social, and political contexts, and comparing them can diminish the individual narratives and struggles faced by those living in war-torn regions. Moreover, these disingenuous comparisons can inflame tensions rather than foster understanding. When one nation is portrayed as more deserving of empathy, it can generate resentment and division among communities and nations.

This kind of rhetoric often overlooks the shared humanity of all individuals impacted by conflict, regardless of their circumstances. By framing certain populations as “uncivilised” or “poor,” we not only dehumanise them but also risk normalising tragedy in those regions. This normalisation can make it easier for the international community to overlook their plight, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and leading to a lack of meaningful engagement with the underlying issues. It is imperative that our understanding of humanitarian crises be rooted in compassion and a recognition of the inherent dignity of all individuals, rather than in arbitrary comparisons that serve to divide.

In order to effectively address the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the international community must recognise the unique challenges faced by its people. Humanitarian assistance should be prioritised based on the severity of the crisis and the vulnerability of the affected populations, transcending geopolitical interests and selective empathy. This approach can foster a more compassionate global response that values human dignity above all else. An immediate and enduring ceasefire, coupled with unfettered access to vital humanitarian aid, is crucial to alleviating the suffering of those in Gaza. This necessitates a concerted effort from governments, NGOs, and international organisations to provide not only immediate food and medical assistance, but also long-term strategies aimed at restoring local food systems and rebuilding essential infrastructure.

Investing in sustainable development and supporting local communities is essential for creating resilience against future crises. The situation in Gaza serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglect and the urgent need for a comprehensive humanitarian strategy that addresses both immediate needs and underlying vulnerabilities. By equipping communities with the tools, they need to thrive, we can help prevent the recurrence of such crises in the future.

Ultimately, our response to the crisis in Gaza should reflect a steadfast commitment to justice and human rights for all. By fostering solidarity and understanding, we can work towards a more equitable world where humanitarian assistance is driven by compassion and an unwavering dedication to upholding the rights and dignity of every individual. It is crucial that we recognise the interconnectedness of our global community, understanding that the plight of those in Gaza is not an isolated issue but part of a broader tapestry of human suffering that demands our attention and action.

In doing so, we honour those who are suffering and contribute to a more peaceful and just global community. It is imperative that we act now—not only to alleviate the immediate suffering in Gaza but also to lay the groundwork for a more resilient and equitable future. By collectively addressing the humanitarian crisis and recognising the shared humanity that binds us all, we can create a more compassionate world that values the lives and dignity of every person, regardless of their circumstances. Each moment of inaction prolongs the suffering of those in need, and it is our moral obligation to respond with urgency and compassion. We must advocate for the rights of those in Gaza and beyond, ensuring that their stories are heard, and their needs are met with the dignity they deserve.

Abeer Youssef

Special Officer for Humanitarian Affairs

United Nations Association of New Zealand

[1] https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/10/1155836

Dr Abeer Youssef

Dr Abeer Youssef is an Adjunct Professor at Victoria University of Wellington, in which she holds a PhD in risk management, water disputes, and decision making. Her research focuses on critical global issues, including water security and resource management. Dr Youssef is also a writer in many international independent digital media platforms in both English and Arabic. She is an Egyptian political and human rights activist and was one of the Egyptian revolution leaders in 2011. As the UNA NZ SO Special Officer for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Youssef leverages her extensive knowledge and experience to advocate for effective and equitable humanitarian responses, particularly in the areas of water scarcity and resource conflict. Email: [email protected]

Image credit: UN Photo/Mark Garten