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World Food Programme director speaks about struggle to find food in Gaza | CNN

Gaza Grapples with Famine-Like Conditions Amid Ongoing Crisis, Warns World Food Programme Official

In a stark and urgent assessment of the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza, Samer Abdeljaber, the World Food Programme's (WFP) director for Palestine, has painted a harrowing picture of famine-like conditions gripping the region. Speaking in an exclusive interview with CNN's international correspondent, Abdeljaber highlighted the dire food insecurity that has left millions on the brink of starvation, exacerbated by prolonged conflict, restricted aid access, and widespread displacement. The interview, broadcast on July 28, 2025, underscores the escalating crisis in Gaza, where basic necessities like food, water, and medical supplies are increasingly out of reach for a population already battered by over a year of intense warfare.

Abdeljaber began by emphasizing the scale of the hunger crisis, noting that Gaza's 2.3 million residents are facing unprecedented levels of food scarcity. "We are seeing famine-like conditions in parts of Gaza," he stated bluntly, drawing on WFP's on-the-ground assessments. According to the official, acute malnutrition rates have skyrocketed, particularly among children under five, with many exhibiting signs of severe wasting—a condition where the body begins to consume its own tissues for survival. He described scenes of families scavenging for scraps in rubble-strewn streets, where markets that once bustled with fresh produce now stand empty or stocked only with exorbitantly priced canned goods smuggled through informal channels.

The root causes of this crisis, as outlined by Abdeljaber, are multifaceted but inextricably linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Since the escalation in October 2023, Gaza has been subjected to relentless airstrikes, ground operations, and a blockade that has severely limited the flow of humanitarian aid. Abdeljaber pointed out that border crossings, such as Rafah and Kerem Shalom, have been repeatedly closed or restricted, bottlenecking the delivery of essential supplies. "Even when aid trucks are allowed in, the quantities are insufficient to meet the needs," he explained. The WFP, which aims to feed over a million people in Gaza monthly, has been forced to ration distributions, prioritizing the most vulnerable groups like pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children. However, logistical challenges, including damaged infrastructure and insecurity for aid workers, have hampered these efforts.

One of the most poignant aspects of the interview was Abdeljaber's recounting of personal stories from the field. He shared anecdotes of families in northern Gaza, where access is particularly limited, resorting to eating animal feed or wild grasses to survive. "I've spoken to mothers who tell me they haven't seen a piece of fruit in months," he said, his voice laced with frustration. These accounts align with broader reports from international organizations, including the United Nations, which have classified parts of Gaza as experiencing Phase 5 food insecurity—the highest level, synonymous with famine. Abdeljaber stressed that without immediate and sustained intervention, the death toll from hunger-related causes could rival or exceed those from direct violence.

The WFP official also delved into the long-term health implications of this crisis. Chronic malnutrition, he warned, is not just a short-term emergency but a generational threat. Children suffering from stunted growth due to nutrient deficiencies may face lifelong cognitive and physical impairments, perpetuating cycles of poverty and instability. "We're not just talking about empty stomachs; we're talking about a lost generation," Abdeljaber asserted. He cited data from WFP surveys showing that over 90% of Gaza's children are experiencing severe food poverty, lacking access to diverse and nutritious diets. This has led to a surge in diseases like anemia, diarrhea, and respiratory infections, compounded by the collapse of the healthcare system. Hospitals, already overwhelmed with war casualties, are now dealing with malnutrition-related admissions, stretching resources to the breaking point.

Abdeljaber called for urgent international action, urging global leaders to prioritize humanitarian corridors and ceasefires to allow unimpeded aid delivery. "The world cannot stand by while an entire population starves," he implored. He praised efforts by organizations like the WFP, which have innovated with initiatives such as cash transfers and fortified food distributions, but emphasized that these are mere band-aids without political will to address the underlying conflict. The official highlighted successful models from other conflict zones, such as Yemen and Syria, where negotiated access has saved lives, suggesting similar frameworks could be applied in Gaza.

The interview also touched on the broader geopolitical context. Abdeljaber noted the role of international donors, including the United States and European Union, in funding WFP operations, but criticized delays in aid commitments amid competing global crises like the war in Ukraine and climate-driven famines in Africa. He expressed cautious optimism about recent diplomatic talks aimed at reopening borders but warned that rhetoric must translate into action. "Every day of delay means more lives lost," he said.

In Gaza's southern regions, where displacement camps have swelled to accommodate hundreds of thousands fleeing northern bombardments, the situation is equally grim. Abdeljaber described overcrowded tent cities where sanitation is nonexistent, leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases that further weaken already malnourished bodies. The WFP has attempted to establish communal kitchens in these areas, providing hot meals to thousands daily, but fuel shortages—due to import restrictions—have forced many to shut down temporarily.

Abdeljaber's message extended beyond statistics to the human cost. He recounted a visit to a school-turned-shelter in Khan Younis, where children lined up for meager portions of bread and lentils. "Their eyes tell the story—hollow, desperate, but still hopeful," he reflected. This hope, he argued, is what the international community must nurture by ensuring that aid reaches those in need without bureaucratic hurdles or political interference.

The crisis in Gaza is not isolated; it's part of a larger pattern of food insecurity in conflict zones worldwide. Abdeljaber drew parallels to historical famines, such as those in Ethiopia during the 1980s, emphasizing that early warnings were ignored then, leading to preventable deaths. "We have the tools and knowledge to prevent this now," he said, calling for a coordinated global response involving the UN Security Council, regional powers, and NGOs.

As the interview concluded, Abdeljaber reiterated the WFP's commitment to Gaza, despite the risks to staff—several aid workers have been killed in the conflict. He urged viewers to support humanitarian efforts through donations and advocacy, stressing that public pressure can influence policy. "Famine is not inevitable; it's a failure of humanity," he concluded.

This CNN segment serves as a sobering reminder of the human toll in Gaza, where famine-like conditions threaten to deepen an already profound tragedy. With no end to the conflict in sight, experts like Abdeljaber warn that the window for averting a full-scale catastrophe is rapidly closing. The world watches, but action remains the critical missing ingredient in this unfolding disaster.

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Read the Full CNN Article at:
[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/28/world/video/gaza-famine-like-conditions-world-food-programme-samer-abdeljaber-lee-es ]