Middle East: Gaza food markets ‘in decay’ as starvation looms
November 13, 2024
Gaza City, Gaza Strip – Food markets in the besieged Gaza Strip are “in decay” as starvation looms for the population, a new report has warned.
The report, by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), found that the number of food-insecure people in Gaza has increased by 50% in the past year, with over 1.2 million people now living in poverty.
The report also found that the price of food has increased by 30% in the past year, making it increasingly difficult for families to afford to feed themselves.
“The situation in Gaza is dire,” said Matthias Schmale, UNRWA’s Director of Operations in Gaza. “Food markets are in decay, and starvation is looming for the population.”
Schmale said that the blockade of Gaza, which has been in place for over 15 years, is the main cause of the food crisis. The blockade has prevented the entry of essential goods, including food, into Gaza, and has also crippled the local economy.
“The blockade must be lifted immediately,” said Schmale. “The people of Gaza cannot continue to live under these conditions.”
The report comes as the United Nations warns that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly. The UN has called for urgent action to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.
Background
The Gaza Strip is a small, densely populated territory located on the Mediterranean coast. It has been under Israeli blockade since 2007, which has severely restricted the movement of people and goods into and out of the territory.
The blockade has had a devastating impact on the Gaza economy, which is now heavily reliant on humanitarian aid. The unemployment rate in Gaza is over 50%, and over 60% of the population lives in poverty.
The food crisis in Gaza is the result of a combination of factors, including the blockade, the poverty of the population, and the conflict with Israel. The conflict has caused widespread damage to infrastructure, including food production and distribution facilities.
Call to action
The United Nations has called for urgent action to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. The UN has called on Israel to lift the blockade, and on the international community to provide more humanitarian aid.
The people of Gaza need our help. We must act now to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.
Middle East: Gaza food markets ‘in decay’ as starvation looms
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