JAKARTA - The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that the Gaza Strip, Palestine, is experiencing a worst-case scenario of famine, as outlined in this week's Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warning.
The agency reports a dramatic deterioration in the humanitarian situation, with people going without food for days and dying from starvation-related complications.
According to the WHO, many people in Gaza are dying from disease and organ failure as prolonged starvation weakens their already fragile bodies.
Meanwhile, the health system—which is supposed to provide care and assistance—is severely crippled by shortages of essential medicines, fuel, and supplies. Humanitarian and medical workers themselves are also suffering from hunger.
"Death by starvation is slow and painful," the WHO warned, as quoted by WAFA on July 31.
"A starving child can cry in agony until they are too weak to cry at all. Without immediate treatment, children suffering from acute malnutrition will not survive," it continued.
The organization further emphasized that reversing this catastrophe will require enormous time and resources. Recovery for malnourished individuals requires targeted medical intervention, appropriate therapeutic feeding, and specialized supplementation.
In severe cases, the effects are permanent, ranging from stunted physical growth to cognitive impairment and other long-term health problems.
Despite the worsening crisis, aid remains hampered. WHO and other IPC partners plan to continue field assessments, but the severity of the situation is already clear. Humanitarian supplies prepared by United Nations partners are currently stationed at the Gaza border, awaiting clearance.
WHO has called on Israel to immediately allow entry and distribute aid safely and unrestrictedly through all available channels.
The agency reiterated its demands for the release of humanitarian workers, the release of all hostages, and an immediate ceasefire.
"Peace is the first step towards recovery," the statement concluded.
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