The UNICEF spokesperson for the Middle East and North Africa, Salim Owais, confirmed that the current situation in Gaza is extremely difficult. Over 96% of the population in the Gaza Strip suffer from food insecurity, with more than half a million people facing catastrophic levels, classified as level 5, the highest stage of the international classification.
In a phone interview with Al Arabiya Al Hadath news channel, Owais stated, “We are not declaring a famine, but we are addressing the situation to prevent an imminent famine, which poses a significant threat to thousands of children. There must be an immediate ceasefire for these reasons, but in the absence of a ceasefire, continuous aid entry is necessary, which is not currently happening.”
Owais added, “The primary responsibility lies with the conflicting parties to ensure the entry of humanitarian aid. However, in this situation, the international community must act and exert pressure to allow substantial aid entry. So far, the efforts on the ground and the results are insufficient.”
He continued, “The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations are making every effort to deliver aid. Some aid has been delivered, but it is not enough. We demand an increase in aid entry, alongside reports that reflect the reality on the ground, based on studies, surveys, and statistics. We urge and pressure the international community to intervene, stop the war, and cease fire to allow humanitarian workers to reach all areas and provide services to those in need.”
Owais emphasized that Gaza is currently suffering from severe food and nutrition shortages, posing a serious risk to 3,000 children who may face starvation if they do not receive necessary nutrition. Therefore, UNICEF is working on delivering substantial food supplies, but the amount of aid allowed to enter is very limited. He stressed that the responsibility now lies with the conflicting parties, as well as the member states of the Security Council and the United Nations, who must take a firm stance and end the suffering of citizens and children in Gaza.
