North Gaza's Forgotten Famine
Written by: Jumana Waffeeq Al-Rayes
Photos taken by: Jehad Abu-Shanab
Despite the devastating wars that ravaged the world in the early centuries and through the 20th century, none of the former colonies experienced widespread famine. However, the 21st century has brought about an unimaginable situation.
In the third millennium, an era defined by advancement, modernity, and artificial intelligence, a tragic reality has unfolded in the northern region of the Gaza Strip. More than 750,000 Palestinians are now facing a genuine humanitarian crisis, grappling with genuine famine.
This catastrophe is directly attributed to the Israeli military operations and the ensuing blockade that has cut off access to essential food supplies in the local markets. The closure of border crossings has left the people of northern Gaza deprived of the most basic sustenance.
Despite the global progress witnessed in recent decades, this distressing scenario in the heart of the Middle East serves as a sobering reminder that even in the 21st century, conflict can still give rise to such devastating consequences, pushing entire communities to the brink of starvation. The world's attention must urgently turn to addressing this unfolding humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza.
●Food Insecurity and Agricultural Devastation
"The situation is dire, we are running out of food and clean water," said Fatima Ahmed, a mother of four living in the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanoun. "My children are getting weaker by the day, and I fear we may not survive much longer."
The relentless Israeli bombardment has wreaked havoc on Gaza's fragile agricultural sector. Airstrikes have destroyed farmland, irrigation systems, and storage facilities across the northern governorates. At the same time, naval blockades have severely limited access to fishing waters - a critical source of sustenance for many Gazans.
UN officials estimate that over 40% of the enclave's arable land lies abandoned or inaccessible due to the ongoing hostilities.
With imports of food and other essential supplies severely restricted, prices of basic commodities have soared beyond the reach of many impoverished Gazan families. Local food production has plummeted, and humanitarian aid agencies report that an estimated 70% of the population in northern Gaza now require emergency food assistance to meet their basic nutritional needs.
●A comprehensive crime of starvation
"We used to be able to grow enough food to feed our families, but now our fields are either destroyed or we can't access them," lamented Ahmed Khalil, a farmer from the Jabaliya refugee camp. "Without urgent aid, I fear many of us will not survive the coming months."
Trapped and Vulnerable Populations
The residents of northern Gaza, particularly in areas bordering Israel, face the gravest risks. Tens of thousands remain trapped in their homes, unable to flee the violence or access essential services. The United Nations has warned that entire neighborhoods could be at risk of starvation if the situation does not improve rapidly.
"We are essentially trapped inside our own homes, with nowhere to go and dwindling supplies," said Hana Saleh, a resident of the Beit Lahia district. "My children cry from hunger, and I feel powerless to help them. The world must act now to prevent a catastrophe."
● The northern Gaza Strip is living a nightmare
Calls for Immediate Intervention
Humanitarian organizations and Palestinian officials have urgently called for immediate international intervention to address the worsening food crisis in Gaza. They have appealed for the lifting of the Israeli blockade, the provision of emergency food and medical aid, and the protection of civilian infrastructure to avert a full-blown famine.
"The people of Gaza are facing a nightmare scenario, with the specter of mass starvation looming large," said Mahmoud Rizqallah, the director of the Gaza-based Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights. "We implore the international community to take swift action to save lives and prevent a humanitarian disaster of historic proportions."
● "Gaza on the Brink"
The escalating violence in the Gaza Strip has pushed the enclave's beleaguered population to the brink of catastrophe. Unless decisive action is taken to restore humanitarian access and facilitate the resumption of agricultural production, the specter of mass starvation looms large over the northern regions of the Gaza Strip. The international community must act swiftly to prevent a humanitarian disaster of historic proportions.