Gaza city: The United Nations has issued a stark warning that there is a rapidly closing window of opportunity to prevent a famine in Gaza, as the region faces a severe humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing conflict. Tom Fletcher, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, emphasized the urgent need for action to avert further disaster.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Fletcher highlighted that the current situation, characterized by death, destruction, starvation, and displacement of Palestinian civilians, is a result of decisions that contravene international law and disregard the international community's calls for peace. The latest displacement order from Israel against Palestinians in Gaza City comes amid a significant military offensive and follows the confirmation of famine in the Gaza Governorate two weeks ago.
Fletcher warned that there is a limited timeframe, until the end of September, to prevent famine from affecting the cities of Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis. He urged that this critical window is rapidly closing, reinforcing the need for immediate and decisive action. "We continue to insist that this horror can be stopped," Fletcher stated.
In his appeal, Fletcher called for unrestricted humanitarian access, the safeguarding of civilians, and the adherence to the International Court of Justice's provisional measures, underscoring the urgency of the situation in Gaza.