Cindy McCain, the American director of the UN World Food Program, warned on Friday of a "full-blown famine" in northern Gaza after six months of conflict between Israel and Hamas, coupled with severe food delivery restrictions.
McCain's assessment, made during an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press," highlighted the dire humanitarian situation faced by civilians in the most isolated parts of Gaza. Urgent action, including a ceasefire and increased aid delivery, is needed to confront the growing catastrophe.
Efforts are underway to alleviate the crisis, with preparations for a new US-led sea route to bring in more food, including treatment for hundreds of thousands of starving children. However, aid delivery is expected to be gradual, with security and distribution arrangements being tested.
Challenges in aid delivery were evident this week when the first aid convoy through a newly reopened land corridor into northern Gaza faced obstacles from Israeli settlers and was later commandeered by Hamas militants.
Despite the obstacles, international efforts to provide aid and support to Gaza continue. USAID Administrator Samantha Power announced a $200 million investment aimed at increasing the production of emergency nutritional paste for starving children under 5. These efforts remain critical in saving lives and addressing the severe hunger crisis in Gaza.
McCain's assessment, made during an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press," highlighted the dire humanitarian situation faced by civilians in the most isolated parts of Gaza. Urgent action, including a ceasefire and increased aid delivery, is needed to confront the growing catastrophe.
Efforts are underway to alleviate the crisis, with preparations for a new US-led sea route to bring in more food, including treatment for hundreds of thousands of starving children. However, aid delivery is expected to be gradual, with security and distribution arrangements being tested.
Challenges in aid delivery were evident this week when the first aid convoy through a newly reopened land corridor into northern Gaza faced obstacles from Israeli settlers and was later commandeered by Hamas militants.
Despite the obstacles, international efforts to provide aid and support to Gaza continue. USAID Administrator Samantha Power announced a $200 million investment aimed at increasing the production of emergency nutritional paste for starving children under 5. These efforts remain critical in saving lives and addressing the severe hunger crisis in Gaza.
