The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has declared a famine in Gaza City and its surrounding regions, marking the first such announcement in the Middle East. According to the IPC, over half a million people in Gaza are facing dire conditions characterized by widespread starvation, acute malnutrition, and preventable deaths. This humanitarian crisis is largely the result of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has devastated local food production and distribution systems. Nearly 98% of Gaza’s cropland is reported as damaged or inaccessible, leading to a significant decline in food availability due to destroyed agricultural infrastructure and stringent blockades on humanitarian aid.
The crisis is further worsened by mass displacement, as many residents flee their homes in pursuit of safety and sustenance, straining already limited resources and complicating relief efforts. In response, the United Nations and various humanitarian organizations are calling for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted access to aid in order to alleviate the suffering of civilians.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the famine as a “man-made disaster,” insisting on urgent action to mitigate the situation and prevent further loss of life. He has emphasized the need for the international community to prioritize humanitarian aid and work towards a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
As conditions worsen, projections suggest that the famine could extend to other areas of Gaza in the coming weeks if immediate actions are not implemented. The global community continues to advocate for enhanced humanitarian efforts and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict to prevent further escalation of this crisis.
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