USAID administrator confirms famine in parts of Gaza amid ongoing conflict

The top US humanitarian official, Samantha Power, stated on Wednesday that it is "credible" to assess that famine is already happening in parts of Gaza as the conflict between Israel and Hamas persists.

Despite previous warnings from US officials about the potential for famine in the devastated region, Power is the first official to confirm publicly that famine is currently happening.

The assessment is expected to lead to more demands for the administration to limit its military aid to Israel. According to the Foreign Assistance Act, aid is not allowed to countries that hinder the delivery of US humanitarian assistance.

President Joe Biden and other top officials in his administration have informed Israeli officials that they need to take immediate action to improve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, or else face potential changes in US policy.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned on Tuesday that Israel has pledged to increase humanitarian aid in Gaza and has already started taking some steps to fulfill this commitment. However, he emphasized that what truly matters are the actual results and continued efforts, which will be closely monitored in the coming days.

During a congressional hearing, Power was questioned about a report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) regarding the possibility of famine in parts of Gaza, especially in the northern region.

Power explained that the methodology used by the IPC had been thoroughly reviewed by their experts. This methodology is commonly used in other settings and the IPC believes in its credibility.

Democratic Rep. Joaquin Castro inquired about the possibility of famine already taking place in the area.

"Yes, that's correct," she answered.

According to an IPC analysis in mid-March, the latest information shows that a Famine is likely to happen soon in the northern areas of the Gaza Strip. It is expected to happen sometime between mid-March to May 2024.

Based on the most probable scenario, it is determined that both North Gaza and Gaza Governorates are categorized in IPC Phase 5 (Famine) with substantial evidence. Approximately 70 percent of the population, which is around 210,000 people, are in IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe).

It is currently unknown if this analysis was referenced during the hearing. CNN has attempted to contact USAID for clarification.

Power observed that before October 7, the rate of malnutrition in northern Gaza was nearly zero. However, it has now risen to one in three children.

She expressed concern that there is a lack of sufficient food reaching the region to prevent a famine in the south. This has led to conditions that are already causing child deaths in the north.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where famine is already a reality in some areas. The confirmation from top US humanitarian official Samantha Power is a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to address the suffering of the Palestinian people. The assessment of famine is likely to intensify pressure on the Biden administration to limit military aid to Israel, as it is required by law to do so when countries hinder the delivery of US humanitarian assistance.

The situation in Gaza is particularly concerning due to the lack of sufficient food reaching the region and the high rates of malnutrition, especially among children. The analysis from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) indicates that a famine is likely to occur in the northern areas of the Gaza Strip in the near future. The IPC's methodology is widely respected, and its findings are based on a thorough review of available data. The US government should take this assessment seriously and act swiftly to prevent further suffering and loss of life in Gaza.