A United Nations-backed organization has, for the first time, declared a famine in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war began in 2023, triggering urgent international appeals for an immediate ceasefire and accelerated aid delivery.
According to a report released Friday by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), more than 640,000 people—nearly one-third of Gaza’s population—will face catastrophic levels of food insecurity by the end of September. The IPC warned that “acute malnutrition is projected to continue worsening rapidly” and called for an “immediate and sustained cessation of hostilities” as well as “unconditional and safe humanitarian access.”
Israel strongly rejected the findings. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office called the famine declaration “an outright lie,” insisting Israel “does not have a policy of starvation” but rather “a policy of preventing starvation.” Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) argued the report relied on “biased data” from Hamas.
The IPC famine declaration is rare. Since its creation in 2004, the body has announced famines only four times before—in Somalia (2011), South Sudan (2017 and 2020), and Sudan (2024).
Meanwhile, Israel is intensifying military plans to capture Gaza City, escalating its campaign despite international condemnation. Netanyahu recently authorized new talks to secure the release of hostages still held by Hamas, but has toughened conditions, demanding Hamas surrender, disarm, and release all 50 hostages.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the famine report as a wake-up call. “We cannot allow this situation to continue with impunity,” he said, calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and unfettered humanitarian access.
The European Union and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed these appeals, urging Israel to allow “immediate, unimpeded, and sustained” delivery of aid. Rein Paulsen, a senior UN food security official, warned, “We are in a race against time. Every effort must be made for immediate and decisive action to prevent further loss of life.”
The Gaza crisis worsened after Israel tightened its blockade following the collapse of a truce in March. While July saw a rise in aid deliveries and a decline in food prices, UN agencies maintain that supplies remain far below minimal needs.
The war, which began after Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 and led to 250 abductions, has since killed more than 62,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
