Senior State Department official: Famine ‘quite possibly’ present in parts of northern Gaza

WASHINGTON – Famine is both a risk and “quite possibly” present in at least some areas in northern Gaza, a senior State Department official tells Reuters, while adding that the scarcity of trucks is a key obstacle for more humanitarian aid in the densely populated enclave that has been battered by the Israel-Hamas war.

“While we can say with confidence that famine is a significant risk in the south and center but not present, in the north, it is both a risk and quite possibly is present in at least some areas, which accounts for the urgency with which we need to move goods, food at scale into the north,” the senior State Department official, speaking with Reuters on the condition of anonymity, says.

The number of trucks distributing aid in south and central Gaza has nearly topped 200 a day, an increase compared to a month ago, but more are needed, the State Department official says.

“You need to address the full nutrition needs of the population of Gaza of all ages. That means more than just that minimal survival level feeding,” the official says, adding that malnutrition, infant newborn and young child mortality are significant problems that are growing.

“It has to be addressed by additional assistance coming and the right kind of assistance coming in,” he says.