UN Declares Famine in Gaza

In an unprecedented move, the United Nations-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has declared a famine in Gaza—marking the first such famine confirmed in West Asia.

According to the report, over 500,000 people are enduring catastrophic levels of hunger, with projections indicating that the number could rise to 641,000 by the end of September.

The declaration encompasses Gaza City and its surroundings, revealing a deepening crisis that threatens to engulf central and southern regions—such as Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis—if urgent action is not taken.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the famine as a "man-made disaster" and a failure of humanity", emphasizing its avoidable nature if humanitarian corridors had been kept open.

UN humanitarian coordinator Tom Fletcher echoed this urgency, highlighting that the famine could have been prevented if aid had not been obstructed—accusations directed squarely at Israel for systematically blocking relief efforts.

Israel strongly rejected the famine assessment, branding the IPC findings as biased and attributing them to "lies laundered through organisations with vested interests." The Israeli government maintains that substantial aid has been permitted into Gaza, arguing that the famine declaration neglects this reality.

Humanitarian groups warn that the famine's impact is devastatingly real: hospitals are overwhelmed, essential aid continues to be delayed, and food prices have surged. Children are among the most vulnerable, with rising cases of acute malnutrition and starvation-related deaths—tragic indicators of the famine’s human cost.

This famine ranks among only a handful ever recorded by the IPC—including those in Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan, underscoring its severity. The report has intensified global calls for an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and protection of civilians trapped in the conflict.

As the situation deteriorates, the world watches with mounting concern—hoping that this stark declaration sparks the urgent action needed to avert further tragedy.

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