• Nearly half a million Palestinians in Gaza experiencing “catastrophic levels” of hunger
• A UN-backed assessment also reveals there is a “high risk” of famine persisting
• The ongoing conflict and limited humanitarian access are to blame
• No current famine in the north but severe food shortages in the south and central Gaza

‘High risk’ of famine in Gaza persists, new UN-backed report says

A UN-backed assessment reveals that nearly half a million Palestinians in Gaza are experiencing “catastrophic levels” of hunger, with a “high risk” of famine persisting due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and limited humanitarian access.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report clarifies that there is no current famine in northern Gaza, though a March assessment had warned of an imminent famine. Since then, aid deliveries have increased and essential services like nutrition, water, and health have been improved.

However, the report highlights severe food shortages in southern and central Gaza, exacerbated by the closure of the Rafah border crossing and the displacement of over a million people since Israel’s ground operation began in May.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) underscores the dire hunger situation and stresses the need for continued humanitarian access. UN officials attribute the crisis to Israeli military restrictions, ongoing conflict, and lawlessness. 

Israel claims there are no restrictions on aid delivery and accuses UN agencies of mismanagement and Hamas of stealing aid, which Hamas denies.

The conflict escalated after an unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7, which killed around 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. In response, Israel launched a military campaign, resulting in over 37,650 deaths in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.