The Security Council concluded their meeting on Tuesday, with a focus on the urgent need for aid and the growing risk of famine. The council engaged in a passionate discussion, beginning with a comprehensive update from the UN on the humanitarian crisis, which was delivered via video conference.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Three representatives from the main United Nations aid organizations delivered dismal alerts to the Council regarding the conditions currently affecting civilians in Gaza.

• in a report

  The deputy executive director of the World Food Programme (WFP) issues a warning in a report, stating that there is a looming famine in northern Gaza if no changes are made.

• At least 576,000 individuals are currently experiencing “extreme levels of poverty and malnutrition” in the region, as reported by the deputy leader of the UN humanitarian organization, OCHA.

• The deputy director of FAO emphasizes the importance of taking initial actions to prevent famine, which include stopping conflicts and creating a safe environment for humanitarian efforts to provide vital aid and essential services such as water and electricity.

• Some of the Council members have suggested implementing strategies to possibly put a stop to the conflict by starting with an instant truce and freeing any hostages.

• The ambassador of Algeria accused Israel of employing starvation as a weapon in war.

• To access recaps of UN gatherings, check out our associates at the UN Meetings Coverage in both English and French.

View the impactful presentation by WFP’s deputy leader, Carl Skau, on the intensifying sense of desperation and urgency in Gaza, provided below:

5:28 PM

The Arab Group urges you to speak up.

On behalf of the Arab Group, Tunisia Permanent Representative Tarek Ladeb said the spectre of famine looms in Gaza because of the inability of the international community to agree on an immediate ceasefire and the stubbornness of Israel, the occupying power.

The speaker remarked that numerous aid trucks meant for humanitarian purposes are stuck at entry points and cannot enter Gaza. This blockade is causing severe hunger and deprivation for the Palestinian population, which is a direct violation of international laws and humanitarian laws.

The global community and the Security Council can no longer stay silent.

He informed the ambassadors that the Arab Group is once again stressing the importance of implementing an immediate ceasefire and halting the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.

The group also emphasizes the crucial role of UNRWA in the field and cautions against any efforts to expand the responsibilities of the United Nations coordinator at the expense of the agency responsible for assisting Palestinian refugees.

5:14 PM

is

Goal to establish additional border points: Israel aims to have more entry points along its borders.

Brett Jonathan Miller, Israel’s Deputy Permanent Representative, stated that their team is dedicated to enhancing the humanitarian aid in Gaza by facilitating the entry of aid through the Kerem Shalom and Rafah borders. They are also in talks to potentially open more border crossings.

According to him, there are endless possibilities for providing assistance to the residents of Gaza. He also mentioned that the majority of aid appeals are granted.

“He stated that these are undisputed facts and 20 bakeries in Gaza are currently producing over two million pita breads daily.”

He stated that any assertions made within the Council Chamber are merely efforts to spread false information from Hamas and divert attention from the inadequate distribution of aid.

According to the speaker, Israel is not causing delays for trucks at the borders. He also stated that the United Nations is responsible for the delay in aid delivery.

He stated that the issue of aid being redirected in Gaza must not be overlooked. Israel will persist in requesting the release of all captives and urges the Security Council to take necessary measures to guarantee their protection and welfare.

4:50 PM

There is currently a famine occurring in Palestine.

The State of Palestine’s Permanent Observer, Riyad Mansour, stated to ambassadors that Gaza is currently experiencing a famine, which is worsening by the day due to Israel’s ongoing “criminal aggression”.

He suggested taking a pause to contemplate the true implications of this.

“What it means to forage for food in the rubble, sand and trash, to eat animal feed or food ravaged by rats.”

The speaker believes that Israel has deliberately created a situation that is causing great suffering and harm to the 2.3 million Palestinians living in Gaza.

Mr. Mansour expressed his disappointment in the fact that this devastating famine and acts of genocide have occurred and have been ongoing for such a long period of time. He also stated that this reflects poorly on everyone, especially the Security Council.

Israel’s weaponization of food to punish the Palestinian people is not a secret. It was declared months ago, in October 2023 by the highest-ranking Israeli Government and military officials, some of whom publicly stated that such policies would hasten the decline of humanitarian conditions and provoke a mass exodus from Gaza or a so-called “voluntary migration” of this “demographic threat”.

He insisted that the Council fulfill its responsibilities.

Rectifying the current abhorrent situation requires three immediate steps: a ceasefire now to halt the Israeli aggression; the unimpeded, accelerated delivery of humanitarian aid at scale throughout all of Gaza; and accountability measures for all the war crimes and crimes against humanity perpetrated by Israel. 

4:48 PM

Tensions escalated between the United States and Russia.

After Russia made a statement, representatives from both Russia and the US engaged in a heated exchange of comments. Mr. Wood asserted that Russia was not in a position to critique other nations as long as they continue to bomb Ukraine.

In response, Mr. Nebenzia criticized the US, suggesting that it should feel embarrassed for attempting to draw parallels between Gaza and Ukraine.

The Russian ambassador suggested that the Security Council not become a battle between the United States and the Russian Federation, in light of the US’s invasion of Iraq and other nations.

4:34 PM

The council of Russia may impose sanctions.

The Russian Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, expressed how reading the report from UN humanitarians was disturbing, as it revealed the dire conditions in Gaza with widespread shortages and rampant diseases.

According to him, there are no problems regarding the accessibility of assistance. This was confirmed by Council members during a recent trip to the Rafah crossing.

Unfortunately, bureaucratic challenges have resulted in delays, and ongoing conflicts have hindered the ability to achieve self-sufficiency in food.

The diplomat emphasized the need for an urgent halt to violence in Gaza and urged Israel to adhere to international laws in order to avoid famine.

The speaker expressed dismay that the United States has hindered attempts to halt the aggression in Gaza. They referred to their proposed plan as a “permit to kill” and urged Council members to refuse it. The speaker suggested that it may be necessary for the Council to implement sanctions instead.

4:08 PM

to halt visa-seeking

The United Kingdom has suggested a 3-step plan to cease the seeking of visas, urging an immediate end to conflict.

Ambassador of the United Kingdom, Barbara Woodward, stated that in order to address the dire situation in Gaza, there are three essential factors that need to be addressed. This starts with urging all involved parties to immediately cease their fighting.

Securing assistance and freeing hostages are essential, according to the speaker. Once this is accomplished, steps can be taken towards achieving a lasting and stable ceasefire.

Additionally, she suggested that the Council prompt Israel to increase the access of aid to Gaza and assist in its distribution throughout the territory.

The speaker emphasized the importance of having additional crossings, such as Kerem Shalom and Nitzana, open for longer periods of time. She also stressed the need for uninterrupted access for aid from Jordan and the full opening of Ashdod Port. However, she emphasized that aid airdrops cannot replace land deliveries and that humanitarians require safe and unimpeded access through the Erez crossing in the north at this time.

Ultimately, she emphasized the necessity for increased security and provision of necessary resources for the UN and humanitarian allies in order to fulfill their objectives. With this in mind, she urged for an immediate ceasefire followed by efforts towards a lasting resolution.

According to the UN agency, action must be taken immediately to prevent famine and ease suffering. This is the only solution, as stated by the agency in their warnings to the Council.

4:05 PM

France has deemed preventing access to humanitarian aid as unjustified.

The French Ambassador, Nicholas de Rivière, stated that it is unacceptable to have inadequate humanitarian aid for a population facing a dire humanitarian crisis.

Yesterday, France, together with Jordan, performed a fresh air delivery of goods directly to Gaza, along with sending a new amount of supplies to support hospitals in Egypt, according to a statement from Jordan.

Meanwhile, the President of France emphasized the pressing need to finalize a ceasefire agreement that ensures the safety of all civilians and allows for the immediate delivery of emergency assistance.

He declared that France maintains its strong stance against a military attack on Rafah, as it would result in a disastrous humanitarian crisis like never before.

“France affirms the necessity for a ceasefire and emphasizes the prompt and unconditional release of all hostages, in accordance with Council resolutions 2712 and 2720. The Council must also denounce the use of terrorist attacks and sexual violence as tactics of war by Hamas and other terrorist organizations on October 7th, and urge progress towards a two-state political resolution.”

4:00 PM

The Chinese government demands that Israel allow full access to aid.

Ambassador Dai Bing, Deputy Permanent Representative of China, stated that UNRWA, the Palestine refugee agency, serves as a crucial support for the people in Gaza.

He voiced his approval for the UN’s unbiased inquiry and urged Israel to comply. Additionally, the global community, especially the main contributors, should promptly resume funding for the UN agency.

For over a month now, the supply of aid to Gaza has been reduced by half. The speaker urged Israel to allow unrestricted transportation of aid by opening all routes of land, sea, and air.

“He stated the necessity for a ceasefire and also explained that China remains committed to resolving the conflict in Gaza and promoting peace in the Middle East.”

3:54 PM

seeks ‘full normalization’ with Gulf states‘

The United States is urging Israel to take further action in fostering full normalization with the Gulf states.

The US Deputy Permanent Ambassador, Robert Wood, expressed the US’s approval of the conversation surrounding the food crisis. He mentioned that promoting food security has always been a top priority for Washington.

The United States has advised Israel to maintain open borders, provide humanitarian assistance on a large scale, and facilitate the quick and secure distribution of aid throughout Gaza.

“He stressed that Israel needs to take further action,” he declared, displaying great distress for the safety and wellness of over one million inhabitants of Gaza who are trapped in the neighboring city.

He voiced outrage over Hamas fighters’ persistence in hiding among civilian structures like hospitals and schools, stating the importance of all parties abiding by international humanitarian law.

No Rafah offensive

He stated that a significant land attack should not move forward in Rafah given the current conditions.

According to him, the United States has put in a lot of effort to increase aid to Gaza during the war, pushing to open Israel’s Kerem Shalom crossing.

He stated that the United States has consistently urged for the safeguarding of humanitarian workers functioning in Gaza and urged Israel to enhance coordination for conflict prevention.

We commend the bravery of UN humanitarian workers who courageously face personal risks to provide for the humanitarian needs of those in Gaza.

He restated the importance of freeing the 130+ hostages still held within the enclave. He promised that the US would persist in efforts to secure a hostage agreement and temporary ceasefire.

3:38 PM

uses food deprivation as a tactic of warfare.”

Algeria employs food deprivation as a strategy in warfare, while Israel utilizes starvation as a method of conflict.

Ambassador Amar Benjama of Algeria expressed concern over the difficult choice currently facing the citizens of Gaza – either risking death from ongoing bombings or suffering a slow and agonizing death from starvation.

According to him, Israel is utilizing starvation as a tactic in warfare and resolutions from the Council are proving to be ineffective in practical application.

He declared that the current aggression towards Gaza is not a conflict with Hamas, but rather a form of punishment for innocent Palestinians. Staying quiet allows for the killing and suffering of the Palestinian community. He urged the Council to immediately demand a ceasefire, as doing nothing would make them accomplices in this wrongdoing.

3:20 PM

Record levels of child malnutrition: WFP

According to Carl Skau, the Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), the Famine Review Committee has issued a warning about a potential famine in May, which could affect 500,000 individuals if not prevented. Currently, almost the entire population of 2.2 million people requires food assistance.

“According to him, Gaza currently has the most severe cases of child malnutrition globally. Approximately one out of every six children under the age of two suffer from acute malnutrition.”

If a ceasefire agreement is reached, WFP is prepared to quickly increase and amplify its operations. Urgent measures are necessary in order to facilitate a significant increase in the amount of food and other humanitarian aid being provided.

According to the statement, a secure and operational setting is necessary for humanitarian workers, along with the port of Ashdod and the Karni crossing being accessible. Additionally, a functional humanitarian notification system and a reliable communications network are essential.

A famine is likely to occur in northern Gaza if nothing is done to change the current situation. However, aid organizations like WFP are already present in southern Gaza, providing food to shelters, makeshift camps, and local stores.

“I am sorry, but we are unable to supply a consistent or adequate amount of food to those in dire need,” he stated. “The reality remains that, without safe and significantly increased entry, humanitarian workers are unable to carry out a relief effort on the necessary level to alleviate the grave humanitarian situation that is currently plaguing Gaza.”

“It is crucial that we prevent a famine, and this goes beyond simply providing food. We must also work on restoring basic services such as healthcare, electricity, and water and sanitation systems,” he stated. He emphasized that UNWRA is the sole organization capable of overseeing and operating these essential structures in Gaza.

3:10 PM

Gilad

The FAO Gilad has sounded the alarm on the catastrophic impact of the destruction of the food system.

Maurizio Martina, Deputy Director General of FAO, described a troubling situation in Gaza where 378,000 people are currently facing extreme levels of food insecurity.

“The findings are concerning,” he cautioned, sharing an example of the devastating repercussions of the conflict. The fishing industry, which supported over 100,000 people in Gaza, has been decimated. Additionally, many livestock have died due to airstrikes or lack of resources such as water and food.

According to a statement made on February 15th, 46.2% of cropland has been deemed damaged. The speaker highlighted that agricultural facilities, particularly sheep and dairy farms, have been significantly affected by the devastation.

More than 25% of wells were damaged or destroyed, with the most significant damage occurring in the northern areas of Gaza and in Gaza City. 339 hectares of greenhouses were also destroyed, with the greatest destruction in Gaza City, north Gaza, and Khan Younis. The harvest of olives and citrus fruits, which are important sources of income, were greatly affected by the conflict.

He stated that the limitations placed on delivering assistance had made it nearly impossible to carry out effective humanitarian efforts.

Restore humanitarian space

Stopping the fighting and creating safe areas for aid delivery and service restoration are crucial measures for preventing famine, according to Mr. Martina.

He stated that a crucial task is to reestablish secure and continual availability of humanitarian resources to all individuals in the Gaza Strip who require life-saving aid.

He also stated that primary services, such as cross-border water pipelines, telecommunications, electricity distribution, and health facilities, need to be reinstated.

According to Mr. Martina, all parties involved must adhere to their responsibilities under international laws related to human rights and humanitarian actions and safeguard civilians. He also emphasized that a prompt ceasefire and resolution are crucial for ensuring food security.

3:09 PM

In the end of his update, Mr. Rajasingham from OCHA stated that experts on maintaining food supply are cautioning that the agriculture in northern Gaza may entirely fall apart by May if the current conditions continue. This is due to the damage and destruction of fields and resources that are essential for productivity. Additionally, many have had to give up their farmland as a result of evacuation orders and continuous displacement.

He stated that the ongoing conflicts have resulted in large-scale shortages, significant destruction of water infrastructure, and a lack of products and fishing opportunities. This has also led to increased hunger and the potential for famine. He urged for ways to increase the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Without taking action, famine is highly likely to occur.

According to him, the situation is undeniably serious and addressing it will be unfeasible unless all parties, the Security Council, other members of the United Nations, and the broader international community come together to take prompt action. He also mentioned that the document shared with members outlines suggestions for this course of action.

During this period, there are limited opportunities due to ongoing fighting and the potential for it to escalate into densely populated areas in the south of Gaza. He restated the need for a ceasefire.

He expressed concern that if no action is taken, a large-scale famine in Gaza is highly likely and the conflict will result in even more casualties.

3:03 PM

Guyana hold the presidency of the Security Council for February and their Permanent Representative Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett has just gavelled the meeting open. 

By May, northern Gaza could potentially face a total collapse of its agricultural industry.

Deputy Chief of OCHA, Ramesh Rajasingham, informed ambassadors that the conditions in Gaza are dire, as the majority of the population relies on insufficient humanitarian food aid to survive.

He stated that there was a high possibility that the situation would deteriorate further.

“Our military activities, lack of safety and broad limitations on the import and transport of necessary items have greatly reduced the production of food and farming,” he stated.

At 2:30 PM, the UN office responsible for coordinating humanitarian affairs, known as OCHA, reported on February 22nd through a document called a “white note” that approximately 576,000 individuals in Gaza are experiencing severe deprivation and hunger.

The council is currently discussing how to safeguard civilians in times of war. The Deputy Director of OCHA, along with the deputy leaders of FAO and WFP, will be sharing their insights.

The Council focal points on conflict and hunger, Guyana and Switzerland, along with Algeria and Slovenia, called for a meeting in response to OCHA’s warning.

The IPC classification index, utilized by the UN and multiple relief organizations, has predicted that the entire population of 2.3 million in Gaza will experience acute levels of food insecurity this month. This is the highest amount ever recorded.

, and stunting among children

The possibility of famine, malnutrition and underdevelopment in children.

According to a report cited by the white note, the number of individuals in danger of famine is estimated to be at least 576,000. However, this number may be an understatement and the threat of famine is increasing as the conflict and barriers to aid persist.

On February 18, the Global Nutrition Cluster released a report stating that approximately one out of six children under the age of two are currently suffering from wasting, which is the most severe and dangerous form of malnutrition.

Moving towards a truce

Ongoing clashes persist between Israeli troops and Palestinian militants. Despite repeated appeals to stop the violence, discussions are ongoing between the opposing groups under Qatar’s supervision. Their goal is to reach an agreement for a ceasefire and the gradual release of additional hostages who remain in captivity in Gaza, according to reports from the media.

At the UN Headquarters, it has been reported that the US has distributed an updated version of a resolution to Security Council members. The resolution urges for a brief pause in hostilities in Gaza and for the timely release of hostages, as well as calling on Israel to refrain from entering Rafah “given the current situation.”

The United States rejected the most recent resolution proposed by Algeria that called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire on February 20th. They argued that such a resolution would disrupt important negotiations taking place in Qatar.

Lifesaving aid barriers

Last week, the United Nations’ Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process updated the Council. According to Médecins Sans Frontières, there has been a consistent series of assaults from Israeli forces on hospitals and other civilian structures, as well as humanitarian personnel and convoys. These actions could either be deliberate or reflect a lack of careful consideration.

The UN Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, informed reporters in New York before the Security Council gathering that there are various obstacles impeding the delivery of aid. These include the absence of a ceasefire, disregard for international laws, disorder in Gaza, and insufficient transportation for essential resources.

“There has been minimal, if at all, successful collaboration with Israeli officials regarding deconfliction,” he stated, also mentioning the challenge of transporting convoys to the northern areas.

Find our latest story on the humanitarian effort here.