Ever wondered what famine really looks like? A new UN-backed report has just confirmed famine in parts of the Gaza Strip, marking the first officially declared famine in the Middle East. 😢 Here's the lowdown on how dire things are and what might come next.
What does famine mean?
An area hits famine when three dramatic thresholds overlap: at least 20% of households are starving, 30% of children are severely malnourished, and 2 people per 10,000 die each day from hunger. It's the ultimate alarm bell for global aid.
Man-made disaster
Over 500,000 people—around a quarter of Gaza's residents—are now in famine, mainly in Gaza City, with the crisis spreading southward. Damaged croplands and blocked aid routes mean families can't access basic food supplies.
Life in hunger
Imagine lining up like you would for the latest tech drop, but it's for flour or canned beans—with most people going home empty-handed. Parents skip meals to save scraps for their kids. In eastern Gaza City, one mother can only feed her three children flatbread, fearing for her 5-year-old's health.
Any hope?
Experts say a ceasefire and open aid corridors could slow or reverse the spread of famine. Pressure is mounting on all sides to ease restrictions and ramp up relief. Until then, hundreds of thousands remain on the brink.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
