UN Security Council to Convene on Escalating Famine Crisis in Northern Gaza.

New York: The UN Security Council is set to hold a critical session this evening to address the escalating famine situation in northern Gaza. This meeting has been convened at the urgent request of Algeria, Guyana, Slovenia, and Switzerland, highlighting the international community's growing concern over the humanitarian crisis in the region. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the call for this session follows a recent report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Famine Review Committee. The report warns of an imminent and significant risk of famine in northern Gaza, attributed to the rapidly deteriorating conditions in the area. The committee has emphasized the necessity for immediate action, urging all relevant actors to intervene within days to prevent a catastrophic outcome. Jean-Martin Bauer, Director of Food Security and Nutrition Analysis at the World Food Programme, highlighted the severe risk of famine due to large-scale displacement and restricted trade and humanitar ian access in Gaza. He pointed out the destruction of infrastructure and health facilities as critical factors, alongside challenges faced by UNRWA. Bauer noted a drastic reduction in the number of trucks entering Gaza, with only 58 trucks daily compared to approximately 200 in the summer, predominantly carrying humanitarian aid. This reduction in aid has caused food prices in northern Gaza to soar, now reaching levels almost ten times higher than before the recent conflict escalation. Stephanie Tremblay, UN deputy spokesperson, reinforced the urgent need for international humanitarian law to ensure civilian access to essential resources such as food, shelter, and medical care. She emphasized the necessity of protecting civilians throughout Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict. The crisis escalated following an Israeli ground offensive on 5 October 2024, which tightened the blockade on northern Gaza, severely restricting humanitarian aid and essential supplies. This offensive has left hospitals besieged and lar gely non-operational, with shelters under attack. Since the beginning of the aggression on 7 October 2023, over 146,000 individuals, predominantly women and children, have been killed or injured.