The United Nations on Friday formally declared a famine in the Gaza Strip, marking the first such designation in the Middle East. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), as of 15 August 2025, famine conditions (IPC Phase 5) are confirmed in Gaza City, encompassing approximately one-fifth of the enclave. The crisis is projected to expand to Deir el-Balah and Khan Younis governorates by the end of September, potentially engulfing two-thirds of the territory.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher emphasized that the famine was entirely preventable, arguing that food deliveries were systematically obstructed at border crossings. “It is a famine that should haunt us all,” he stated in Geneva, underscoring that sufficient food exists in regional warehouses but cannot reach the population due to restrictions.
Israel immediately rejected the declaration, with its foreign ministry dismissing the IPC report as “based on Hamas lies laundered through organizations with vested interests.” Despite this, UN agencies have consistently documented deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza, warning for months of an impending crisis.
The IPC report highlights that over 500,000 people—more than one-fifth of Gaza’s population—are currently experiencing “catastrophic” hunger, marked by starvation, destitution, and death. This figure is expected to rise to nearly 641,000 people, or one-third of the population, by the end of September. The assessment is based on data collected between July 1 and August 15, 2025.
Several structural drivers underpin this escalation. Israel’s military campaign against Hamas has displaced hundreds of thousands, while restrictions on humanitarian and commercial flows have devastated food access. Aid supplies were fully banned in March, with only limited entry allowed since May, causing severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel. Simultaneously, Gaza’s local food system has collapsed: an estimated 98% of cropland is damaged or inaccessible, livestock populations have been decimated, and fishing remains banned. The collapse of health services and limited access to safe water and sanitation have further exacerbated malnutrition and disease.
The IPC’s definition of famine requires three thresholds: at least 20% of households facing extreme food deficits; 30% of children under five acutely malnourished; and a daily death toll of two per 10,000 people, either from starvation or the interaction of malnutrition and disease. According to UN-verified figures from Gaza’s health ministry, the broader Israeli offensive has already resulted in 62,192 deaths, the majority women and children.
The IPC concluded that Gaza represents the most severe deterioration in food security it has recorded since initiating assessments in the territory. The declaration highlights not only the scale of the humanitarian disaster but also the international political contention surrounding responsibility for its prevention.
Support Dawat Media Center
If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our journalism and sustains our future. Support the Dawat Media Center from as little as $/€10 – it only takes a minute. If you can, please consider supporting us with a regular amount each month. Thank you
DNB Bank AC # 0530 2294668
Account for international payments: NO15 0530 2294 668
Vipps: #557320
Support Dawat Media Center
If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our journalism and sustains our future. Support the Dawat Media Center from as little as $/€10 – it only takes a minute. If you can, please consider supporting us with a regular amount each month. Thank you
DNB Bank AC # 0530 2294668
Account for international payments: NO15 0530 2294 668
Vipps: #557320
Comments are closed.