Starvation of people and acute malnutrition of children in Gaza are preventable
Representative of the Republic of Slovenia to the United Nations Security Council | Author OZN/Loey Felipe
Representative of Slovenia to the UN Security Council, Ambassador Samuel Žbogar thanked the representatives of OCHA, FAO and WFP for their informative briefings and "a sobering alert for this Council."
He summarized the briefings and the white note stressing that Gaza has become uninhabitable. "The entire population of Gaza is facing high levels of acute food insecurity, the highest share ever classified worldwide," he added.
Today, the people of Gaza are experiencing catastrophic levels of conflict-induced food insecurity. At least 576,000 people in Gaza that represent one-quarter of the population, is one step away from famine, many children are suffering from acute malnutrition and wasting. "The main driver of hunger in Gaza is evident. And starvation of people in Gaza and acute malnutrition of children are preventable," highlighted the Ambassador.
Once again, he reaffirmed Slovenia's call for full respect of international humanitarian law and human rights law, which strictly prohibit starvation as a method of warfare. All parties must respect their obligations and protect civilians.
Only an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and restoration of safe and sustained humanitarian access throughout Gaza can avert the risk of famine.
"There are times when we need to make choices and we need to prioritize. Slovenia is choosing a ceasefire to prevent famine in Gaza. A ceasefire to provide relief to Palestinian people and to release hostages," concluded Ambassador Žbogar and called for a serious engagement of Council members on a new resolution draft.