UN-Backed Report Confirms Famine in Gaza

Famine experienced in Gaza, has been confirmed for the first time, with a global hunger monitor warning that the crisis will intensify in the coming weeks. The assessment is likely to increase international pressure on Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into the war-ravaged enclave.

According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), 514,000 people — nearly a quarter of Gaza’s population — are already facing famine conditions. That figure is projected to rise to 641,000 by the end of September.

The IPC report identified northern Gaza, specifically Gaza governorate, as the first area in famine. It warned that central and southern regions, including Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis, will also be in famine by next month.

Israel has rejected the findings, calling them “false and biased.” COGAT, the Israeli military body responsible for coordinating aid deliveries, accused the IPC of relying on “partial data originating from the Hamas Terrorist Organisation.” It insisted that recent increases in food supplies to Gaza were overlooked.

The U.N. human rights chief Volker Türk said the famine was a direct result of Israeli government actions and warned that deaths from starvation could constitute a war crime.

For an area to be classified as in famine, at least 20% of the population must face extreme food shortages, one in three children must suffer acute malnutrition, and two people per 10,000 must be dying each day from starvation or related disease. Even when those thresholds are not fully met, the IPC can determine that households are enduring famine conditions, marked by starvation and destitution.

This marks the fifth famine the IPC has identified in the past 14 years, following similar crises in Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan. The system, involving U.N. agencies, aid groups and regional organizations, provides analysis for governments to act upon but does not itself declare famine.

The United Nations has repeatedly criticized obstacles to delivering aid in Gaza, blaming Israel for access restrictions and lawlessness within the territory. Israel counters that Hamas steals aid, an allegation the militants deny.

The crisis unfolds amid growing international concern. Countries including Britain, Canada, Australia and several in Europe have described Gaza’s humanitarian situation as “unimaginable.” U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has long warned of an “epic humanitarian catastrophe” in the enclave of more than 2 million people.

U.S. President Donald Trump recently acknowledged widespread starvation in Gaza, putting him at odds with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who denies famine exists. A Reuters/Ipsos poll this week found 65% of Americans believe the U.S. should help those starving in Gaza.

The war erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people in southern Israel and took about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military campaign, according to Gaza health officials.

Talks mediated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt are ongoing in hopes of securing a ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages.

Source: Tovima.com