Famine has been officially declared in Gaza City and the surrounding areas for the first time, according to a report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a UN-backed body monitoring food security. This dire news comes amidst escalating violence and worsening humanitarian conditions as the conflict continues to impact hundreds of thousands of lives.
The IPC estimates that over 500,000 people in the Gaza Strip are at risk of “starvation, destitution, and death,” warning that “catastrophic conditions” are expected to extend to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis within the month. This report marks a critical moment in the Middle Eastern humanitarian crisis; it is the first official acknowledgment of famine in the region, underscoring the urgent need for international attention and intervention.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the situation, describing the famine as “a man-made disaster, a moral indictment, and a failure of humanity itself.” In his address, Guterres called for “immediate ceasefire” and “full, unfettered humanitarian access” to the region, emphasising that the starvation occurring is not merely a food shortage but a broader collapse of the essential systems required for survival, exacerbated by ongoing conflict. “Famine is not only about food; it is the deliberate collapse of the systems needed for human survival,” he said.
In stark contrast, the Israeli foreign ministry has contested the IPC’s findings, asserting, “there is no famine in Gaza.” Accusations levied by Israel suggest that the IPC’s report was influenced by biased data and aligns too closely with narratives propagated by Hamas. Israeli officials argue that their country’s actions have indeed facilitated aid to Gaza, citing the entry of 100,000 trucks of supplies over nearly the past two years of conflict, alongside claims of a decrease in food prices.
This contention has drawn criticism from aid organisations. UN emergency relief coordinator Tom Fletcher implored the global community to take immediate action, arguing that the situation should serve as a source of shame. His message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was urgent and direct: “Enough, ceasefire. Open the crossings, north and south, all of them. Let us get food and other supplies in unimpeded and at the massive scale required. End the retribution.”
Amidst plans for expanded military operations by Israel, dire warnings have emerged regarding the humanitarian impact of continued assaults. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed his cabinet’s approval for new offensives targeting Gaza City, while reports indicate that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have instructed medical and aid workers to make evacuation arrangements, a decision that could further complicate the already fragile humanitarian situation.
The IPC report details that malnutrition is threatening the lives of 132,000 children, with projections indicating a significant increase in severe malnutrition cases in the coming months. The implications of this famine extend beyond just food shortages; they signal a looming public health catastrophe that poses a grave threat to an entire generation.
Despite the reports of famine, the situation on the ground remains complicated. Ghada Al Kourd, a journalist in Gaza City, noted that while some aid is being delivered, widespread looting has hampered efforts to ensure that essential supplies reach those who need them most. “Normal people, poor people, can’t access the products,” she stated, highlighting the struggles of everyday life amidst chaos. Many residents have voiced their reluctance to evacuate, fearing that there may be no truly safe place to seek refuge within Gaza.
The complexities surrounding the humanitarian crisis demand global attention and immediate action. With clashes intensifying and the death toll among civilians rising, the conditions in Gaza highlight a glaring need for both humanitarian support and a reassessment of policies that may contribute to suffering.