Famine Declared in Gaza City

Only four famines have been declared by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) since it was established in 2004, including in Sudan last year, and now they have declared one in Gaza City.

The situation is described as "entirely man-made", and further delays in aid will lead to catastrophic, preventable deaths. While the Israeli government has not accepted the IPC’s findings, the evidence is overwhelming. A man-made famine is not inevitable, and it can be stopped. But only if action is taken immediately.

Our Government has already taken diplomatic and economic measures with allies to put pressure on the Government of Israel, these include:

• Sanctions on certain members of the Israeli Government

• Suspension of negotiations on a new UK-Israel free trade agreement

• The announcement of the intention to formally recognise the State of Palestine in September, ahead of the UN General Assembly, unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the crisis, including allowing humanitarian aid, agreeing to a ceasefire, and halting annexation plans in the West Bank.

  
  

But in the wake of the IPC’s famine declaration and the advancement of the E1 settlement plan, the need for further, stronger action is undeniable.

Alongside Cornwall’s four Government MPs, I am calling on the UK Government to:

• Put further diplomatic pressure on the Israeli government

• Extend trade restrictions beyond the current suspension of trade talks

• Impose further sanctions