Dec 27, (V7N) - In a controversial move, the Famine Early Warning System (FEWS NET), a globally recognized food security monitoring group, has retracted its latest report warning of imminent famine in northern Gaza. The withdrawal follows strong objections from the U.S. government, which cited "outdated and inaccurate" data in the report.

The report initially claimed that under Israel's "near-total blockade," starvation and famine conditions were escalating, predicting deaths could range from two to 15 daily between January and March. The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Jacob Lew, called the findings irresponsible and said they failed to reflect rapidly evolving conditions in the conflict zone.

Critics, including human rights groups, have accused the Biden administration of political interference, arguing that suppressing such warnings undermines the impartiality of FEWS NET, which is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

North Gaza remains one of the hardest-hit areas in Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas militants. Aid organizations have repeatedly reported severe restrictions on food and medical supplies, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Israel denies imposing restrictions on humanitarian aid, blaming logistical and security challenges for the slow delivery of supplies. However, international observers, including the United Nations, maintain that the region requires at least 350 trucks of aid daily to avert widespread famine.

END/WD/RH