Dear friend, After one year into the conflict in Gaza, the international community may be witnessing the worst-case scenario unfold. Famine is imminent throughout Gaza. According to the most recent Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, the number of people on the brink of starvation in Gaza is expected to double up to 345,000. This new report comes despite numerous calls for humanitarian response from the global community after the risk of famine in Gaza was first announced. The risk of famine has not been contained, leaving nearly 133,00 people facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity, 664,000 emergency level food insecurity, and tens of thousands of children projected to be severely malnourished. Mercy Corps CEO Tjada D’Oyen McKenna released a statement on the IPC report saying, “Today’s IPC findings come as no surprise given the unrelenting bombardment, continued decimation of what little infrastructure remains, and the insufficient humanitarian aid flowing into Gaza. Whether officially declared or not, famine is an imminent, devastating reality that should shame the world.” You can read the entire statement here.
In partnership with Save Youth Future Society, Mercy Corps has been distributing hygiene kits and food kits to families in Gaza. © Mohamed Al-Reefi
Recently, the UN office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs confirmed that no food aid has entered northern Gaza since October 2. This must end. Mercy Corps is vehemently calling on the international community to demand a ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, protection of critical infrastructure, and the rapid deployment of life-saving aid. In the meantime, our Mercy Corps teams and partners will continue to do everything in their power to deliver critical aid to families in Gaza. We will provide further updates from our team members about conditions on the ground in Gaza and the status of our emergency response. As the humanitarian needs in Gaza mount and conditions worsen, will you consider making a first-time gift to support families facing extraordinary hardship in Gaza and the 40+ counties where we work? The Mercy Corps team |
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