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The world’s top expert on food crises reports that the largest city in the Gaza Strip is suffering from famine, with an expectation that it will spread throughout the region unless a ceasefire is implemented and restrictions on humanitarian aid are lifted.
According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), famine is currently affecting Gaza City, which houses hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, and it could extend south to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis by next month.
The IPC has identified the conflict and aid blockade as key factors contributing to hunger, which has been exacerbated by massive displacement and the collapse of local food production. This situation has driven hunger to perilous levels across the region after nearly two years of conflict.
Last month, the IPC said the “worst-case scenario of famine” was unfolding in Gaza, but stopped short of an official determination.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied there is hunger in Gaza, calling reports of starvation “lies” promoted by Hamas.
Reportedly, more than 500,000 people in Gaza, representing about a quarter of the population, are facing severe hunger, with many lives at risk due to malnutrition, according to the IPC report. Following widespread attention over images of starving children and reports of fatalities, Israel has promised to allow more humanitarian aid to enter. However, both the UN and Gaza residents maintain that the aid permitted is insufficient.
