Palestinians gather to receive food in Jabalia in northern Gaza. (Credit: Mahmoud Issa/Reuters)
Oxfam released a report on Wednesday revealing that in northern Gaza, which has seen some of the most profound damage and the most desperate conditions for the displaced, the available food supply falls significantly short of the recommended daily intake.
The UK's National Health Service puts the recommended daily calorie intake at 2,100, but current food supplies in Gaza account for less than 12 percent of this requirement. Oxfam calculated these figures using demographic data, revealing that since the onset of the conflict in October, food deliveries into Gaza have only provided around 41 percent of the necessary daily caloric intake per individual.
According to Oxfam, the Israeli government possesses precise knowledge, dating back nearly twenty years, regarding the requisite daily caloric intake to avert malnutrition in Gaza, as outlined in its "Food Consumption in the Gaza Strip – Red Line" document, implying that its approval of only 41 percent of the daily food needs cannot be a matter of ignorance.
“The Israeli government has known for nearly two decades exactly how many daily calories are needed to prevent malnutrition in Gaza," the report says, pointing out that Israel not only based its calculations on a higher figure of 2,279 calories per person but also factored in domestic food production in Gaza, which has been severely impacted by Israeli military actions.
Amitabh Behar, Executive Director of Oxfam International, condemned Israel's actions, stating, "Israel is making deliberate choices to starve civilians." He emphasized the dire conditions faced by individuals attempting to survive on a mere 245 calories per day, compounded by the distress of witnessing their loved ones endure the same hardship, all while being displaced and living under constant danger.