August 22nd saw the appearance of the latest report from The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). As had been expected, that report – which was welcomed by Hamas – determines that the Gaza Governorate region of the coastal strip, which includes the densely populated Gaza City, is now experiencing a famine.
As observed by Joe Truzman at the FDD and others, the timing of the appearance of that IPC report is worthy of note.
“For Hamas, the IPC report is a political windfall, arriving at a moment when Israel is threatening a significant offensive against Gaza City. The Islamist group and its backers will leverage the report to intensify international pressure on Israel to halt its offensive and sign a ceasefire deal that ensures Hamas’s continued rule.”
The BBC News website was predictably quick off the mark to publish multiple items relating to that story, beginning with a dedicated live page that was opened even before the report’s release.