USAID Administrator Samantha Power stated that it is “credible” to assess that famine is already occurring in parts of Gaza as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues. This assessment comes after US officials have been warning about the imminent risk of famine in the war-torn area. The acknowledgment is significant as it is the first time a top official has publicly agreed that famine is already taking place in Gaza.
The assessment of famine in Gaza has raised concerns and calls for the US administration to potentially restrict its military aid to Israel. The Foreign Assistance Act prohibits assistance to any country that hinders the transport or delivery of US humanitarian aid. President Joe Biden and other top officials have urged Israeli authorities to take immediate action to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza or face potential changes in US policy.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned that Israel has committed to increasing humanitarian aid in Gaza and has taken some initial steps to fulfill those commitments. However, he emphasized that what matters is sustained results rather than just promises. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with reports of malnutrition and child deaths due to a lack of sufficient food supplies.
During a congressional hearing, Power confirmed the assessment from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) that parts of Gaza, particularly northern Gaza, are already experiencing famine. An IPC analysis from mid-March stated that famine is imminent in the northern governorates of the Gaza Strip, with a large percentage of the population facing catastrophic conditions. Power highlighted the drastic increase in malnutrition rates in northern Gaza, from nearly zero to one in three children.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with food not flowing in sufficient quantities to prevent famine and child deaths. The analysis highlights the urgent need for immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis in the region. It remains to be seen how the US administration will respond to the situation in Gaza and whether there will be any changes in policy towards Israel. The confirmation of famine in Gaza underscores the urgent need for international intervention to prevent further suffering in the region.
