By Bridie Witton on Stuff…
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the United Nations’ declaration of famine in Gaza will not accelerate the Government’s decision on Palestinian statehood, even as he describes the humanitarian crisis as having “plumbed new depths.”
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a UN-backed body, has formally declared famine in Gaza City, warning that the crisis could expand to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis without an immediate ceasefire and substantial aid.
The agency categorised the level of hunger and deprivation and found nearly a third of the population — 641,000 people — are expected to face catastrophic conditions before the end of September. This is when two people or four children die out of every 10,000 each day due to starvation and related diseases.
It said those in an emergency situation, who are facing extreme conditions and are unable to secure enough food to meet their most basic needs, will likely rise to 1.14 million (58%). Acute malnutrition is also projected to continue worsening rapidly within the same time period.
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