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FAO / GAZA FOOD INSECURITY LATEST REPORT (AUDIO)

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FAO / GAZA FOOD INSECURITY LATEST REPORT (AUDIO)

The food security situation in Gaza is catastrophic; famine is imminent in the Northern Governates and there is a risk of famine across the rest of the Gaza strip according to the latest food security report released today (18 March).
Audio interview with Rein Paulsen, Director of the Office of Emergency and Resilience of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Asset date 03/18/2024

Language English

Script The food security situation in Gaza is catastrophic; famine is imminent in the Northern Governates and there is a risk of famine across the rest of the Gaza strip according to the latest food security report released today (18 March).

The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis, or IPC, on the acute food insecurity in the Gaza Strip shows that famine is imminent anytime between now and May 2024 in the northern governorates of Gaza and North Gaza if the hostilities do not stop, and humanitarian assistance at scale does not reach those most in need and basic services are not restored.

The southern governorates of Deir al Balah and Khan Younis, and the Governorate of Rafah, are classified in IPC Phase 4, Emergency, however the percentage of households in those areas classified as being in “catastrophic” food insecurity, or IPC phase 5, has increased. In a worst-case scenario, these governorates face a risk of famine through July 2024.

Rein Paulsen, Director of the Office of Emergency and Resilience of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) said the latest findings are “extremely concerning”.

SOUNDBITE (English) Rein Paulsen, the Director of Office of Emergencies and Resilience, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): “The latest findings paint an extremely concerning situation. And when we think about the north of Gaza, where the situation is the most precarious, the latest analysis tells us that famine is imminent in the period between now and May [2024] in the north of Gaza. That means when we look at the trajectory of food security and nutrition statistics, we are facing a catastrophic situation in technical terms. In the south of Gaza, the situation has also worsened and there we maintain the projection of famine likely.”

The escalation of hostilities has caused widespread damage to the agricultural sector, which is indispensable for the lives and livelihoods of families in Gaza.

SOUNDBITE (English) Rein Paulsen, the Director of Office of Emergencies and Resilience, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): “So indeed, this damage has been quite significant. We estimate, just to use some examples, when it comes to livestock losses, obviously this is a sector that we're very concerned about, it's indispensable for the livelihoods and the survival of families in Gaza, we estimate that 60 percent of the milk cows have been killed, are gone. And then when it comes to meat production, that meat cattle, as much as 70 percent of the stock has been killed. And when it comes to small ruminants, so goats and sheep, that percentage is about 60 percent. So, these are large percentages, significant percentages of livestock, both for dairy and for meat are gone.”

The entire population in the Gaza Strip is facing high levels of acute food insecurity classified in IPC Phases 3, 4 and 5. This includes half of the population (about 1.1 million), likely experiencing catastrophic food insecurity in IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe).

Urgent support is needed to restore local food production, emphasized Paulsen.

SOUNDBITE (English) Rein Paulsen, the Director of Office of Emergencies and Resilience, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): “It also tells us that some livestock is still alive and can be supported and indeed needs to be urgently supported, which is why this is at the heart of FAO's response to urgent livelihood needs in the Gaza Strip. We currently have approval to move in 1500 metric tons of animal fodder.”

The report notes a steep rise in child deaths due to acute malnutrition and diseases, leading to classification of a famine projection. It is highly probable that the famine threshold for acute malnutrition will be surpassed, signaling the imminent onset of famine around May 2024.

Ensuring families, particularly malnourished children, have access to nutritious food is crucial, said Paulsen.

SOUNDBITE (English) Rein Paulsen, the Director of Office of Emergencies and Resilience, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): “It's vital that we focus on everything around keeping livestock alive, which is about both ensuring access to milk for families and particularly for children who are malnourished or at risk of malnourishment, as well as, of course, access to protein. That's a key component. Beyond that, nutritious foods, vegetables, these are things that are almost now absent in the markets and we really need to see how that can be strengthened.”

Paulsen emphasized that a ceasefire and sustained access to allow urgent assistance at scale is imperative to prevent escalating catastrophic food insecurity.

SOUNDBITE (English) Rein Paulsen, the Director of Office of Emergencies and Resilience, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): “A key message from FAO's side that we have made in the past at the very highest levels and that we keep repeating, is that peace is a prerequisite to food security. And the right to food is a basic human right. This needs to be kept in mind by all stakeholders.”

Duration 3m0s

File size 33.14 MB

UNFAO Source FAO Audio

Unique identifier UF15U4B