UN Security Council Discusses Famine and Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Kokcha News Agency: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) convened to discuss the worsening famine and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO), and Joyce Msuya, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, expressed grave concerns over the situation during the session.

Alakbarov highlighted the findings of the recent Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, which confirmed the presence of famine in Gaza. He stated, “The IPC analysis confirms the existence of famine in Gaza, and we are deeply concerned. Ending this famine is a race against time.”

He pointed out that 22 months of continuous attacks have plunged Gaza into a deeper catastrophe, with rising civilian casualties, mass displacement, and famine. Alakbarov warned that Israel’s decision on August 8 to fully occupy Gaza has placed the population at risk of “another deadly escalation.”

“More than 86% of the Gaza Strip is now under Israeli military control,” Alakbarov said. “The expansion of military operations in Gaza City will lead to catastrophic consequences, including the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.”

Alakbarov called on all parties to end the brutal war immediately, stating, “For the sake of humanity, I urge all parties to stop this merciless war. The only way to halt this immense and indescribable human suffering is through a full, immediate, and permanent ceasefire, along with the unconditional release of all hostages.”

Joyce Msuya, in her address, reminded the council of the obligations under international humanitarian law, which prohibits the use of starvation as a method of warfare and protects essential civilian infrastructure such as food, water, and agricultural resources.

Msuya referenced the IPC report published on August 22, which highlighted the severity of the famine in Gaza. She stated, “Let us be clear: this famine is not the result of drought or a natural disaster. It is a man-made catastrophe, the result of a conflict that has caused mass civilian deaths, injuries, destruction, and forced displacement.”

Msuya also drew attention to the deteriorating situation in the occupied West Bank, where military operations, settler violence, and discriminatory policies are exacerbating humanitarian needs and increasing civilian vulnerability.