2 million people 'starving' in Gaza Strip

WHO CHIEF SAYS 160,000 METRIC TONNES OF FOOD IS 'BLOCKED AT BORDER, JUST MINUTES AWAY'

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TWO million people are “starving” in the Gaza Strip, with the deliberate blocking of aid driving up the risk of famine, the World Health Organisation chief warned Monday.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the WHO and other UN agencies stood ready to deliver aid into the Palestinian territory — if and when it is allowed to enter.

Israel has said its blockade since March 2 was aimed at forcing concessions from the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday it was necessary for Israel to prevent a famine in Gaza for “diplomatic reasons” after his government announced it would allow in limited food aid.

'Deliberate withholding'

“Two months into the latest blockade, two million people are starving,” Tedros said, while 160,000 metric tonnes of food “is blocked at the border just minutes away”.

“The risk of famine in Gaza is increasing with the deliberate withholding of humanitarian aid, including food, in the ongoing blockade.”