Making a "kind of obscene" argument on Gaza's hunger A UNICEF official claims

 

On Sunday, the UN Children's Fund executive director called discussions about the level of hunger in Gaza "kind of obscene."

UNICEF's Catherine Russell told host Margaret Brennan on CBS' "Face the Nation": "I think it's sort of ridiculous that we are having these discussions about whether or not the approach works. We're aware that kids are dying, right? I'm sick of hearing people argue over whether or not we're providing accurate information.

Last week, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, announced that famine was occurring in Gaza. "Starvation is here and is spreading quickly; the time for discussion and hesitation is over," the IPC study said.

Israel, which has long had problems with the UN, denounced the IPC report as untrue and claimed it was intended "to smear Israel with lies" in an attempt to undermine Israel's fight against Hamas in Gaza.

Russell, an American attorney, emphasized to Brennan that the IPC is packed with “technical people,” not “political people,” and that there is an easy method for Israel to demonstrate the truth to the world.

"Let the international press in first," Russell said. “Let them make determinations. I mean, we’ve talked about this, Margaret, about you coming. ... Everyone should be able to get in there.”

Brennan pointed out that because foreign reporters are not allowed entry into Gaza, the footage of malnourished children that was featured on "Face the Nation" was taken by reporters inside the territory.

"I spoke with our staff, and they are seeing children who are extremely deprived, thousands of children who have had amputations, and you know, it's just one terrible thing after another for children," Russell continued.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas conducted a deadly incursion into Israel, killing over 1,200 Israelis, sparking the commencement of the war in Gaza. Tens of thousands of people, mostly fighters and noncombatants in Gaza, have died in the fighting since then.