Gaza Famine: Netanyahu Rejects UN Report

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ⁣has refuted‍ a ‍recent UN report indicating famine conditions in parts of‌ the gaza Strip, dismissing it as​ a “smooth lie.” He asserts Israel ‌is actively working to⁤ *prevent* hunger, having facilitated the delivery of two million tons ⁣of relief supplies since ‍the conflict began,⁤ while acknowledging challenges with looting before distribution.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs ‍echoed this ​rejection, stating that no famine exists ⁣in Gaza and attributing the report’s ⁣findings to inaccurate information originating from Hamas. They‍ claim a recent surge in aid deliveries has​ adequately​ supplied basic food necessities to the region.

COGAT, ​the Israeli⁣ authority responsible for‌ Palestinian affairs, further criticized the report as biased and a tool for Hamas propaganda, ‌alleging it disregarded data provided⁣ by the⁢ Israeli side.

Advancement Minister Calls for Ceasefire

The debate follows the release of a UN report by the IPC (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification) initiative,⁢ which presented “robust ‍evidence” of famine ⁢conditions in the Gaza City area.⁣ The report highlights a critical threat to ⁢the⁢ lives of 132,000 children under five due to malnutrition, with 41,000 considered in a⁣ notably severe state – a doubling as the ‌May assessment.

In response to​ the IPC report, ‌significant international criticism has ⁢been⁢ directed towards Israel. German Development Minister reem Alabali Radovan emphasized the catastrophic‌ situation in Gaza, stating‌ that the report demonstrates widespread starvation, particularly among children. She characterized the famine as man-made, acknowledging⁢ improved access for⁤ aid deliveries but stressing that ⁣current efforts are insufficient. Radovan called for an immediate ceasefire alongside the unconditional release of hostages held by ‌Hamas.