Gaza Faces Severe Hunger Crisis Amid Ongoing Conflict
Gaza City, Gaza Strip —
A new report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the world’s leading authority on food crises, has confirmed that famine conditions are present in Gaza City. The IPC warned that without a ceasefire and easier access for humanitarian aid, the crisis could spread further across the territory.
The IPC findings show that Gaza City — home to hundreds of thousands of people — is already in famine, and the situation could extend to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis by the end of next month. The report highlights that more than half a million people, about a quarter of Gaza’s population, are now facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity.
Impact of War and Blockade
Aid agencies have long warned that ongoing hostilities, restrictions on food deliveries, and the collapse of local production are pushing Gaza’s population into life-threatening levels of hunger. Children are among the most vulnerable, with many cases of acute malnutrition being reported.
Israel has disputed the IPC’s findings, stating that significant amounts of aid have entered Gaza and calling the famine claims “false and biased.” Officials point to over 100,000 aid trucks delivered since the conflict began. However, the United Nations and local residents say the supplies remain far below what is needed.
Growing International Concern
The confirmation of famine — the first time the IPC has declared such a situation in the Middle East — is expected to increase international pressure for a ceasefire. Experts warn that any further escalation in Gaza City will worsen the crisis.
Formal famine declarations are rare. Past IPC determinations include Somalia in 2011 and South Sudan in 2017 and 2020. For famine to be declared, data must show widespread lack of food, high rates of child malnutrition, and elevated death rates linked to hunger and disease.
The IPC cautions that by the end of September, as much as one-third of Gaza’s population could face catastrophic hunger. Humanitarian groups are urging immediate action to ensure safe and consistent delivery of aid.
