A report from the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has confirmed “for the first time” that Gaza City is facing a “Phase 5 famine,” the highest severity of food insecurity marking worst such crisis in Gaza since monitoring began in 2023.
The IPC report states that over 500,000 people in the Gaza City region, about a quarter of Gaza’s total population are already experiencing catastrophic hunger characterized by starvation, destitution, and death.
If current trends continue without intervention, famine conditions are projected to spread to central Gaza and southern Gaza by the end of September, potentially affecting 641,000 individuals, or nearly one-third of Gaza's population.
Israel has dismissed reports of famine in Gaza, with its foreign ministry asserting that no such crisis exists.
At the same time, UN Secretary-General António Guterres labeled the worsening situation a “man-made disaster” and called for unrestricted humanitarian aid access. The UN chief says.
"Just when it seems there are no words left to describe the living hell in Gaza, a new one has been added: 'famine', We cannot allow this situation to continue with impunity. No more excuses. The time for action is not tomorrow -- it is now. We need an immediate ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages, and full, unfettered humanitarian access."
Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed his cabinet's endorsement of a new military campaign targeting Gaza City.
The Israeli Defence Forces have instructed medical personnel and aid organizations to prepare for evacuations. International journalists are still not permitted to report freely from within Gaza.
The famine declaration is rooted in the IPC’s rigorous criteria: widespread starvation, high rates of child malnutrition, and elevated death rates from malnutrition and disease
Experts emphasize that while famine is often caused by a combination of starvation and disease, its full impact may be underreported due to limited data access.
The IPC report underscores that this famine is entirely preventable, yet only an immediate, large-scale humanitarian intervention, including aid delivery and a ceasefire, can stop further avoidable loss of life.
This declaration of famine in Gaza City is a defining moment in the region’s history, underscoring a humanitarian catastrophe that will only deepen unless collective global action is taken now.
