Gaza’s 2.1 million Palestinians face “critical risk” of famine and “extreme levels of food insecurity” as Israel’s aid blockade continues, according to a UN-backed assessment released Monday.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report identified a “major deterioration” in conditions since October 2024, though it concluded famine is not currently occurring.
Around 244,000 people are experiencing “catastrophic” levels of food insecurity, with the report stating half a million people – one in five – face starvation in Gaza.
The assessment found 93% of Gaza’s population (1.95 million people) are living through high levels of acute food insecurity.
The two-month ceasefire between Israel and Hamas earlier this year “led to a temporary reprieve,” but renewed hostilities and Israel’s aid blockade – ongoing for 70 days – have “reversed” any improvements.
Israel renewed military operations in Gaza in mid-March and has prevented food, medication and other aid from entering, saying it aims to pressure Hamas to release remaining hostages.
The IPC report predicts nearly 71,000 children under five will become acutely malnourished over the next 11 months. It notes: “Many households are resorting to extreme measures to find food, including begging, and collecting garbage to sell to buy something to eat.”
Israeli officials have denied a hunger crisis exists, citing aid delivered during the previous ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Hamas said it would release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander as part of efforts toward a ceasefire agreement. Israel’s Prime Minister’s office responded it had only committed to a “safe corridor” for Alexander’s release, not a ceasefire.
US President Donald Trump arrives in the Middle East Tuesday. Israel has warned it will expand military operations if no deal is reached by the end of his visit.
The war began with Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and saw over 250 taken hostage. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, Israel’s military campaign has killed 52,862 people in Gaza.
Most of Gaza’s 2.1 million population has been displaced, many multiple times. An estimated 70% of buildings have been damaged or destroyed, with healthcare, water and sanitation systems collapsing amid shortages of food, fuel, medicine and shelter.
Experts, governments, United Nations agencies, and non-governmental organisations have accused Israel of carrying out genocide against the Palestinian people.
(Pictures by EPA/MOHAMMED SABER)
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