Jack Lew, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, has disputed a report by a humanitarian group on famine conditions in northern Gaza, calling it “outdated and inaccurate” due to incorrect population figures.
The group is now reviewing its assessment and plans to release an updated report next month.
The initial report by the Famine Early Warning Systems Network warned of potential famine conditions in North Gaza Governorate, stating that food consumption and malnutrition thresholds had been surpassed. However, Lew pointed out discrepancies in population estimates cited in the report, highlighting the need for accurate data.
Lew emphasized the importance of working with Israeli and UN partners to address humanitarian needs in Gaza and criticized the use of inaccurate information.
Following Lew’s statement, the humanitarian group’s Gaza webpage now displays a notice indicating that the report is under review and will be re-released with updated data and analysis in January.
Recent assessments have highlighted dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, with calls for increased aid delivery. Israel has denied hindering aid distribution and accused Hamas of misappropriating supplies.
In response to international pressure, Israel has pledged to take additional measures to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Despite previous threats, the U.S. government refrained from cutting military assistance to Israel, acknowledging efforts to improve aid distribution in Gaza.