LONDON and JERUSALEM — In a joint statement, 115 organizations described the dire food shortage in Gaza as “mass starvation,” as the “Israeli government’s siege starves the people of Gaza.”
The organizations warned that some aid workers are now joining food lines in Gaza, saying they are “risking being shot just to feed their families.” Repeated deadly shootings around aid distribution centers have killed hundreds, according to the United Nations.
And the statement accused the Israeli government of implementing “restrictions, delays, and fragmentation” with a total siege of the Gaza Strip, resulting in “chaos, starvation, and death” of Palestinians.
Citing reports from doctors, the statement warned of “record rates of acute malnutrition,” saying they are being seen particularly among children and older people. An aid worker providing psychosocial support is quoted in part saying: “Children tell their parents they want to go to heaven, because at least heaven has food.”
Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children and Oxfam International were among the international aid groups that signed the statement.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
ABC News’ Diaa Ostaz contributed to this report.
