Desperate Palestinians in Gaza City were seen rushing for food at a charity kitchen after the United Nations declared a famine in the war-torn territory. Videos captured the chaotic scene where women and children were among the crowd clamoring for rice, with some resorting to scraping leftover grains from cooking vats.
Yousef Hamad, a 58-year-old displaced from Beit Hanoun, expressed the dire situation, stating, “We have no home, no food, no income… so we are forced to rely on charity kitchens, but they are not meeting our hunger.” Meanwhile, Umm Mohammad in Deir el-Balah criticized the delayed famine declaration by the UN, highlighting the critical condition of children suffering from lack of food and water.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Initiative (IPC) confirmed the famine affecting 500,000 people in Gaza governorate, including Gaza City. While the UN declared the famine on Friday, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed it as false.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini urged action to address the crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the need for all influential parties to intervene. The IPC warned that the famine could expand to other governorates in Gaza in the coming months.
As Israel continued its bombardment of Gaza, reports revealed devastating scenes of destruction in various neighborhoods. Residents expressed fear and desperation, with some feeling like the end was near amidst the ongoing violence.
The escalating conflict has resulted in numerous casualties, with conflicting reports on the exact number of deaths and injuries. The situation remains dire, with limited access for media outlets to verify the extent of the devastation.