The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has issued a grave warning regarding the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, stating that half of the area's population is at risk of "imminent starvation," including 15,000 pregnant women. This announcement, made on the X social network, underscores the severe food insecurity plaguing the region.
UNFPA attributes the crisis to a "man-made famine," exacerbated by Israel's ongoing military actions since October of last year. The United Nations has emphasized that the famine is a direct result of Israel's blockade, which has closed vital crossings and restricted access to humanitarian aid. This situation has led to urgent calls for a ceasefire to allow essential assistance to reach Gaza's residents.
The warning from UNFPA follows a joint statement from seventy human rights organizations, including the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor and the International Organization of Lawyers. These groups have urged international authorities to officially recognize the risk of famine in Gaza. In response, European cities such as Berlin, Paris, and Stockholm witnessed large demonstrations over the weekend, with protesters demanding an end to the conflict and expressing solidarity with Palestinians.
In Berlin, thousands marched with placards reading "Palestine will never die," chanting for freedom and an end to what they termed as genocide. Similar scenes unfolded in Paris, where demonstrators gathered outside the Montmartre Sacré-Coeur, and in Stockholm, where calls for peace and justice echoed through the streets. In Dublin, university students joined the protests, emphasizing the need to halt the violence in Gaza.
Amid these developments, Josep Borrell, the European Union's Head of Foreign Policy, urged the EU to take a clear stance on the International Court of Justice's call for Israel to cease its military actions in Rafah. Additionally, Tanja Fajon, Slovenia’s senior diplomat, announced her country's imminent recognition of Palestine, joining Ireland, Norway, and Spain in this diplomatic move. This shift reflects a growing trend within the EU, with other nations like Belgium considering similar steps.
Since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 80,000 injured. As international pressure mounts, the recognition of Palestine by several EU countries signals a significant diplomatic development, challenging entrenched geopolitical dynamics and offering a glimmer of hope for a resolution to the crisis.
