The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) announced that all residents of the Gaza Strip suffer from “food insecurity” due to the siege imposed on them by the Israeli occupation since last October 7.

The organization's Director-General, Qu Dongyu, called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the protection of civilians, and respect for international humanitarian law. He also called for allowing humanitarian aid to enter the Strip and facilitating its delivery to the population.

Donio said - in a statement published on the United Nations website - that "the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization considers that the entire civilian population in Gaza is suffering at this stage from food insecurity."

He explained that an immediate ceasefire and reaching a peaceful solution are basic conditions for achieving food security in Gaza, and ensuring the right to food for the residents of the Strip, which is a basic human right.

The organization's director said, "The escalation of hostilities in Israel and Palestine greatly affects all dimensions of food security."

A difficult situation

Donio confirmed that about 60% of families in the Gaza Strip were suffering from food insecurity before the recent escalation, noting that the current war has exacerbated the situation, as it led to the collapse of agricultural and food activities, and the interruption of water, food and fuel supplies to the besieged Strip.

“Fishing, livestock-related activities, and the cultivation of fresh fruits and vegetables have ceased, reducing (Gazans’) access to vital sources of protein and beneficial foods, as well as sources of employment and livelihood opportunities,” he said.

The organization's director stressed the right of the people of Gaza to provide them with water, food, medicine, and fuel, stressing that this is an urgent and obvious priority to alleviate human suffering in the besieged Strip.

Israel imposes a stifling siege on Gaza, preventing food, medicine and fuel supplies from entering it. It has also cut off water and electricity for 39 days, which poses a threat to the lives of residents who are suffering due to the severe scarcity of food and potable water, in addition to the risks resulting from running out of fuel and medicine in the Strip. .

The residents of the Gaza Strip are living in catastrophic humanitarian and health conditions, due to the devastating war waged by the Israeli occupation on the Gaza Strip since last October 7, which led to the death of more than 11,000 people - the majority of whom are women and children - and the wounding of more than 28,000.

The ongoing Israeli massacres and evacuation orders issued by the occupation forces to residents in the northern Gaza Strip also led to the displacement of 1.5 million of Gaza’s 2.3 million people from their homes.