Famine has spread across Gaza, UN experts say

Gaza health authorities say at least 33 children have died from malnutrition, mostly in northern areas that have been hit hard by Israel's military campaign.

A malnourished Palestinian baby is held during treatment at the International Medical Corps field hospital in Deir Al-Balah, southern Gaza Strip, on June 22, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Mohammed Salem

Since early May, fighting has spread to southern Gaza, disrupting the flow of aid into the region amid restrictions by Israel, accusing UN agencies of failing to distribute aid effectively.

In a statement on Tuesday, the group of 11 human rights experts cited the deaths of three children aged 13, 9 and 6 months due to malnutrition in the southern Khan Younis area and Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza since late May.

“From the deaths of these children due to starvation despite medical treatment in central Gaza, there is no doubt that famine has spread from northern Gaza to central and southern Gaza,” the experts said.

Special Rapporteur on the right to food Michael Fakhri condemned Israel's "deliberate and targeted campaign to starve Palestinians".

The Israeli diplomatic mission in Geneva called the claim "misinformation". "Israel has consistently stepped up coordination and support in providing humanitarian aid throughout the Gaza Strip," the mission said.

According to the United Nations, more than 495,000 people across Gaza – more than a fifth of the population – are facing the most severe levels of food insecurity.

Cao Phong (according to CNA, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nhom-chuyen-gia-lien-hop-quoc-cho-biet-nan-doi-da-lan-rong-khap-gaza-post302894.html