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The spread of famine has been averted in the Gaza Strip following October’s ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, but the situation remains critical with the entire Palestinian territory still facing the threat of starvation, according to a new report released Friday by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).
The report notes “notable improvements” in food security and nutrition since the implementation of the ceasefire, and no famine has been detected. However, the IPC warned that the situation remains “highly fragile,” with nearly 2,000 people facing catastrophic levels of hunger through April.
“The entire Gaza Strip is in danger of starvation,” the report states, adding that in the worst-case scenario—including renewed conflict and a halt of aid—the whole territory is at risk of famine. “Needs remain immense, and sustained, expanded and unhindered aid is required.”
Israeli authorities have strongly rejected the IPC’s findings. COGAT, the Israeli military agency responsible for coordinating aid to Gaza, stated that it adheres to the ceasefire agreement and allows the agreed amount of aid to reach the territory. According to COGAT, the aid quantities “significantly exceed the nutritional requirements of the population” based on international standards, including those of the United Nations.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry also dismissed the report, claiming it doesn’t reflect the reality in Gaza and that more than the required amount of aid is reaching the territory. The ministry accused the IPC of ignoring the vast volume of aid entering Gaza by relying primarily on data related to UN trucks, which they say account for only 20% of all aid trucks.
In response, the IPC clarified that its report includes both commercial and UN trucks, and its information is based on data from both the UN and COGAT.
The findings come at a critical juncture in the conflict. The US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is reaching a pivotal point as Phase 1 nears completion, with the remains of one hostage still in Gaza. The more challenging second phase has yet to be implemented, and both sides have accused each other of violating the truce.
The IPC had previously confirmed in August that famine was occurring in Gaza City—the first time famine had been confirmed in the Middle East—and warned it could spread south to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis. At that time, over 500,000 people in Gaza, about a quarter of its population, faced catastrophic levels of hunger, with many at risk of dying from malnutrition-related causes.
Friday’s report indicates that the spread of famine has been offset by several factors: a significant reduction in conflict, a proposed peace plan, and improved access for humanitarian and commercial food deliveries.
Antoine Renard, the World Food Program’s director for the Palestinian territories, noted that there is more food available now and people are eating two meals daily, up from one meal each day in July. “This is clearly a reversal of what had been one of the most dire situations where we were during the summer,” Renard told UN reporters in a video briefing from Gaza City on Thursday.
While food access has “significantly improved,” Renard warned that the greatest challenge now is providing adequate shelter for Palestinians, many of whom are living in water-logged tents as winter sets in. Aid groups report that nearly 1.3 million Palestinians need emergency shelter.
Displacement remains one of the key drivers behind food insecurity, with more than 70% of Gaza’s population living in makeshift shelters and relying on assistance. Poor hygiene, sanitation, and restricted access to food are also exacerbating the hunger crisis.
The IPC emphasized that humanitarian access, while improved compared to previous periods, still “fluctuates daily and is limited and uneven across the Gaza Strip.”
To prevent further loss of life, expanded humanitarian assistance including food, fuel, shelter, and health care is urgently needed. The report warns that over the next 12 months, more than 100,000 children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition and require treatment.
Recent figures released by Israel’s military suggest it hasn’t met the ceasefire stipulation of allowing 600 trucks of aid into Gaza each day, though Israel disputes this finding. American officials with the US-led center coordinating aid shipments claim deliveries have reached the agreed-upon levels.
Aid groups contend that despite an increase in assistance, aid still isn’t reaching everyone in need after two years of war. “This is not a debate about truck numbers or calories on paper. It’s about whether people can actually access food, clean water, shelter, and health care safely and consistently. Right now, they cannot,” said Bushra Khalidi, Oxfam’s policy lead for Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.
Even with more products available in markets, Palestinians say they cannot afford them. “There is food and meat, but no one has money,” said Hany al-Shamali, who was displaced from Gaza City. “How can we live?”
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10 Comments
The report highlights the dire conditions in Gaza and the need for sustained, expanded aid efforts. I hope the international community can come together to find a comprehensive solution that addresses the root causes of food insecurity and ensures long-term stability and prosperity for the people of Gaza.
This is a deeply troubling report. The threat of famine in Gaza is a stark reminder of the fragility of the region’s humanitarian situation. Continued aid and support from the international community are crucial to preventing further suffering.
Absolutely. The people of Gaza have endured immense hardship, and they deserve immediate access to food, clean water, and other essential resources to alleviate the crisis.
Starvation is an unacceptable outcome in the 21st century. I urge all stakeholders to prioritize the well-being of the Palestinian people and work towards a lasting solution that addresses the root causes of food insecurity in Gaza.
The report paints a grim picture, but I’m hopeful that with coordinated relief efforts, the threat of famine can be averted. All parties involved should work together to facilitate the unhindered flow of aid and resources to those in need.
Agreed. Cooperation and transparency from all sides will be essential to provide the necessary assistance and prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis.
While the ceasefire has brought some improvements, the situation remains precarious. The people of Gaza deserve access to adequate food and basic necessities. I hope the international community can come together to find sustainable solutions to this complex issue.
While the ceasefire has brought some relief, the situation remains highly precarious. I hope all parties involved can put aside political differences and focus on ensuring the basic needs of the Palestinian people are met without further delay.
This is a complex and challenging situation, but the priority must be to address the urgent humanitarian needs of the people in Gaza. I urge the international community to work together to facilitate the unimpeded delivery of aid and resources to those facing starvation.
This is a deeply concerning situation. It’s critical that aid and resources reach the people of Gaza to avert further suffering and starvation. Sustained international efforts are needed to address the root causes and ensure adequate food security.