UN Experts Warn of Impending Famine in Gaza Amidst Ongoing Crisis

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reports that Gaza is on the brink of famine with significant food consumption shortages and acute malnutrition observed in many regions. The UN has urged for immediate humanitarian aid and cessation of hostilities to prevent further catastrophe as the death toll rises.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), backed by the UN, has issued a critical alert indicating that a dire humanitarian crisis is unfolding in the Gaza Strip, with evidence suggesting that a "worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out." Over 2.1 million Palestinians are facing increasing hunger-related fatalities due to widespread malnutrition and disease.

Recent assessments reveal that critical famine thresholds for food consumption and acute malnutrition have already been reached in various areas of Gaza, specifically in Gaza City. Reports from UN agencies indicate that the crisis has resulted in at least 63 malnutrition-related deaths so far this month, fueling widespread calls for urgent intervention.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the humanitarian circumstances, asserting, "The facts are undeniable. Palestinians in Gaza are enduring a humanitarian catastrophe of epic proportions." He emphasized that humanitarian aid needs to flow abundantly to alleviate the suffering, calling the current assistance levels "a trickle" compared to what is necessary.

Since early March, the Israeli government has imposed a blockade on Gaza, restricting essential supplies, including food, water, and medical aid, while launching military operations against Hamas. Although some limited aid entries resumed after 11 weeks of strict restrictions, shortages have exacerbated, with reports noting that civilians have been killed while seeking assistance.

Despite Israel's claims that there are no barriers to aid delivery and the insistence on being non-responsible for starvation, the IPC warns that the ongoing military actions and infrastructure destruction impede civilians' access to necessities.

For a famine to be officially declared in Gaza, significant criteria must be fulfilled, including at least 20% of households classified in IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe) and 30% of children suffering from acute malnutrition. Although the IPC has not formalized a famine declaration, the warning highlights the rapid increase in malnutrition rates, with over 20,000 children admitted for treatment between April and mid-July.

In response to the mounting crisis, urgent actions are needed to restore vital services, facilitate large-scale humanitarian support, and establish a ceasefire for aid to flow without obstruction. Without prompt intervention, experts warn the situation will only worsen, with dire implications for the civilian population.

Furthermore, both UNICEF and the World Food Programme have stated that access to accurate data about starvation deaths remains challenging due to deteriorating health systems. Reports indicate ongoing malnutrition-related fatalities, with the Gaza health ministry recently reporting 147 deaths related to malnutrition since the war's escalation.

Israeli officials maintain that they are facilitating aid through tactical pauses and humanitarian corridors. However, many residents report that the promised flow of aid remains insufficient. Instances of looting and hoarding of supplies have been reported, complicating the situation further. Eyewitness accounts recount families resorting to desperate measures to acquire food, often at exorbitant prices.

In light of these circumstances, the UN's humanitarian chief has stressed that emergency responses must commence to alleviate the suffering of Gazans, warning that waiting for formal famine confirmation to take action is unconscionable as the death toll continues to rise.