Statement: Governments Must Exert Maximum Pressure to Halt Famine in Gaza

The United Nations has officially declared that famine is imminent in Gaza.

The most vulnerable - infants, young children and pregnant and lactating women are facing imminent starvation with many children already dying of malnutrition and dehydration.

These conditions are the direct result of the government of Israel using starvation as a weapon of war - which is a breach of international law and strictly prohibited.

That famine is being allowed to take place in the 21st century represents the gravest failure of states to hold the government of Israel to account - and the US, UK and EU all bear a share of responsibility.

Expressions of concern have been too little and come far too late for the children of Gaza.

Airdropped food and the aid delivered by sea cannot substitute for the mass land shipments that Gaza’s 2.3 million population desperately needs. Stemming the starvation will only be possible if Israel opens more border crossings.

War Child calls on governments to exert maximum pressure to obtain a permanent ceasefire and allow full humanitarian access to help spare millions of lives.