Statement by the Executive Director on Impending Famine in Gaza

The threat of famine is looming over Gaza.
 
Hunger and malnutrition, driven wholly by manmade causes and by a lack of humanitarian access, have spread through Gaza at frightening speed, causing catastrophic rates of disease, death and despair. For pregnant women and newborns every day has become a fight for survival. 
 
With each meal missed, the odds of a woman delivering an undernourished, undersized baby rise. New mothers are not getting enough food to nurse their newborns - who are often too weak to even cry. In Gaza, doctors report that newborns are dying because they weigh too little.
 
Life-threatening obstetric complications and premature births have soared since the outbreak of hostilities. The health system has been decimated: Only three maternity hospitals remain; every functioning medical facility is overwhelmed with patients.
 
The situation demands urgent action, yet UNFPA and our partners are prevented from reaching many of the women and girls who so desperately need our help. Aid convoys are being denied passage and cannot deliver urgently needed food to the north. I join the Secretary-General in urging Israel to allow for unimpeded and sustained access for humanitarian supplies throughout Gaza.
 
The crisis looming over pregnant women and newborns can – and must – be halted. But the window of opportunity is closing fast, and unless we act immediately, thousands more will die.

Monday’s long-awaited Security Council resolution demands an immediate ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages and rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access.  We call on all parties to the conflict to implement this resolution urgently.
 
Action is needed now. The women and girls affected by this crisis deserve nothing less.