UN-backed panel officially declares famine as Gaza’s population starve

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
22 Aug 2025 14:32
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After 22 months of Israeli genocide, Gaza’s children are wasting away, with hundreds already dead from hunger as aid is blocked and families face unimaginable despair.

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A morgue worker prepares the body of 5-month-old baby, Zainab Abu Halib, who died from malnutrition-related causes amid Israeli genocide, according to Dr. Ahmed al-Farah, head of the pediatric department at Nasser Hospital, before her funeral in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, July 26, 2025. (AP)

For the first time, famine has been officially declared in Gaza City by the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the global system that monitors hunger. Since its establishment in 2004, the IPC has issued formal famine declarations only four times, most recently in Sudan last year.

Although the IPC had previously warned of imminent famine in Gaza, the absence of hard data had prevented formal recognition. The current declaration confirms that Gaza City, home to roughly 500,000 residents, now meets the strict famine criteria: at least 20% of households experiencing extreme food shortages, 30% of children suffering acute malnutrition, and two deaths per 10,000 people per day caused by outright starvation.

The IPC briefing, shared with partner organizations including Save the Children, Oxfam, and UNICEF, stated that the famine affects the Gaza Governorate, which includes Gaza City, three surrounding towns, and several refugee camps.

Starvation, destitution, and death

“After 22 months of relentless conflict, over half a million people in the Gaza Strip are facing catastrophic conditions, characterised by starvation, destitution and death,” the IPC report said. It is projected that famine could spread to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis by the end of September.

An additional 1.07 million residents, more than half of Gaza’s population, are already facing “emergency” levels of food insecurity, underlining the scale of the humanitarian crisis.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has come under mounting international criticism over Gaza’s humanitarian situation.

Despite international and internal schism, Netanyahu approved plans for a major assault on Gaza City. The Israeli military has reportedly established a foothold on the city’s outskirts, prompting mass civilian displacement. Call-up orders have been issued for 60,000 reservists ahead of the offensive.

Humanitarian impact and mortality

The IPC forecasts further deterioration in food security between mid-August and the end of September. Nearly 641,000 people are expected to face catastrophic conditions, while those in emergency situations could rise to 1.14 million. Gaza’s health ministry reported 271 deaths from starvation, including 112 children, in recent weeks. The overall death toll from 22 months of Israeli genocide has now reached 62,192.

"Israel" is under growing pressure to allow more food into Gaza, facing criticism for its blockade on aid. The UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy signed a statement accusing "Israel" of violating international law over settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank.

Israeli occupation forces claimed that medical officials and international organizations had been warned to prepare for the “planned evacuation of Gaza City residents” ahead of the ground offensive, with already overwhelmed hospitals in southern Gaza forced to make “adjustments to accommodate incoming patients.”