The UN’s World Food Programme warned that the disaster unfolding in Gaza was reminiscent of famines seen in Ethiopia and Biafra, Nigeria in the 20th century, AFP reports.

“This is unlike anything we have seen in this century. It reminds us of previous disasters in Ethiopia or Biafra in the past century,” WFP emergency director Ross Smith told reporters in Geneva, speaking from Rome, insisting that “we need urgent action now”.

 Palestinians gather to receive food from a charity kitchen, amid a hunger crisis, in Gaza City on July 28, 2025. — Reuters
Palestinians gather to receive food from a charity kitchen, amid a hunger crisis, in Gaza City on July 28, 2025. — Reuters

Opinion

Editorial

Budget presser
Updated 14 Jun, 2026

Budget presser

If the FBR falters, the government will find itself in hot water sooner rather than later.
Muharram precautions
14 Jun, 2026

Muharram precautions

WITH Muharram due to start next week, the authorities have already begun annual exercises to ensure that the ...
Blood bequests
14 Jun, 2026

Blood bequests

WORLD Blood Donor Day offers a moment of “gratitude, advocacy and renewed commitment” for thalassaemia patients...
Sustainable path?
Updated 13 Jun, 2026

Sustainable path?

The FY27 budget is the first clear signal that the government is ready to transition from stabilisation to growth.
Prioritising education
13 Jun, 2026

Prioritising education

THOUGH the improvement in the country’s literacy rate may be slight, as highlighted by the Economic Survey, it ...
Poverty’s rise
13 Jun, 2026

Poverty’s rise

AS attention turns to the government’s plans for the coming fiscal year, one set of figures deserves particular...