New York, SANA – The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that Gaza is experiencing the worst-case famine scenario, as outlined in this week’s alert from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). The agency reports a dramatic humanitarian breakdown, with people going without food for days and dying from starvation-related complications.
According to the WHO, many in Gaza are succumbing to disease and organ failure as prolonged hunger weakens their already fragile bodies. The health system—meant to provide care and relief—has been severely crippled by a lack of essential medicines, fuel, and supplies. Humanitarian and medical workers themselves are also suffering from hunger.
“Dying of starvation is slow and painful,” the WHO warned. “A starving child may cry from pain until they are too weak to cry at all. Without urgent treatment, children suffering from acute malnutrition will not survive.”
The organization emphasized that reversing this disaster will take extensive time and resources. Recovery for malnourished individuals requires targeted medical intervention, proper therapeutic feeding, and specific supplements. In severe cases, the effects are permanent—ranging from stunted physical growth to cognitive impairments and other lasting health issues.
Despite the worsening crisis, aid remains blocked. The WHO and other IPC partners plan to continue field assessments, but the severity of the situation is already clear. Humanitarian supplies prepared by United Nations partners are currently stationed at Gaza’s borders, awaiting clearance.
The WHO has called on Israel to immediately permit the safe and unrestricted entry and distribution of aid through all available channels. The agency reiterated its demand for the release of humanitarian workers, the release of all hostages, and an immediate ceasefire.
“Peace is the first step to recovery,” the statement concluded.
Source: WAFA
Amer Dhawa
