UN's Carl Skau raises alarm over severe starvation in Gaza, criticizing Israel for questioning the crisis. Despite dire conditions, Israel disputes reports of famine, complicating aid efforts. Skau highlights the urgent need for increased aid and political action to alleviate the humanitarian disaster.
UN Official Criticizes Israel Over Gaza Starvation Crisis
UN Official Criticizes Israel Over Gaza Starvation Crisis
Israel's government has repeatedly questioned the starvation in Gaza. Now, UN official Carl Skau raises the alarm about the situation and criticizes Israel.
Since August this year, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), which measures global hunger, has confirmed the highest level of famine in northern Gaza.
Carl Skau, Deputy Director of the UN's World Food Programme (WFP), the world's largest humanitarian aid organization, visited Gaza in July.
– It's simply hell. Thousands of children wandering without parents. Children now starving to death. Parents like you and me in complete panic because they can't find food for their children. Moreover, people are being displaced again. They may have moved 20–30 times and have nothing left. They come to tent camps that are already overcrowded, he says in Ekot's Saturday Interview.
Aid Restricted by Israel
Despite the acute situation, the Israeli government has questioned whether there is famine in Gaza. Israel calls famine reports from both IPC and aid organizations lies. Skau argues that this is "incredibly problematic."
– Our focus is to try to find ways to save lives and alleviate suffering and avoid a worsening situation. We engage every day with the Israeli authorities at all levels, which is also a challenge. Sometimes you can get a promise at one level, and it is not implemented at another, he says in the interview.
According to Skau, it is Israel's actions that practically limit the ability to bring food and supplies to parts of Gaza.
Carl Skau says in Ekot's "Saturday Interview" that the UN's World Food Programme has been forced to drip-feed the population, which according to Skau creates chaos. Trucks with food get stuck in crowds where desperate civilians try to get supplies. Larger aid volumes, more funding, and political will are needed. He also warns that the chaotic situation in Gaza has intensified recently.
– A ceasefire is the only thing that could completely turn it around, says Carl Skau to the radio.