Josep Borrell, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union, has confirmed that the specter of famine looms over the Gaza Strip, besieged by Israeli forces, with approximately 100% of the population suffering from acute food insecurity. A quarter of the population in the region faces dire hunger and catastrophic famine.
This statement was part of a joint communique issued by Borrell and Janez Lenarčič, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, published by the European Commission on its official website a few hours ago. The EU expressed deep shock at the findings of the comprehensive assessment of food security reports in Gaza, issued the day before yesterday.
According to Borrell, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification indicated that all estimates point to 100% of Gaza’s population suffering from acute food insecurity, with a quarter facing severe hunger and catastrophic famine. This unprecedented situation has never been recorded in any previous analysis, showing such levels of food insecurity anywhere in the world.
Borrell emphasized the severity of this development, calling it a wake-up call to the entire world to act now to prevent a deadly humanitarian disaster. The only way to prevent death by starvation, he stated, is to ensure the protection of civilians, allow safe access for humanitarian and health workers throughout Gaza, and provide sufficient food for all those in need, wherever they are.
He added, “We urgently need continuous, rapid, safe, and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to prevent the already dire situation from worsening. We reiterate the urgent call to respect international humanitarian law. Inability to access essential food creates a state of famine. Aid must reach those in need through all necessary means, including humanitarian corridors and pauses to meet humanitarian needs.”
The EU’s humanitarian food aid aims to ensure safe and nutritious food access for the hungriest and most vulnerable people in crises worldwide. In 2023, the EU increased its humanitarian funding for Palestinians in need to over 100 million euros, including 46 million euros for food assistance to cover health and other basic needs.
The EU also provides food aid through humanitarian air bridge flights to the people of Gaza, with Brussels allocating 125 million euros to support those in dire need in Palestine during the coming year.
