A United Nations-backed global hunger monitor has officially declared that parts of the Gaza Strip, including Gaza City, are suffering from famine. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) announced on Friday that this catastrophic food crisis is likely to spread across the besieged territory by the end of September, escalating immense pressure on Israel to facilitate greater aid access.
According to the IPC’s assessment, approximately 514,000 people in Gaza—close to a quarter of the population—are currently experiencing famine conditions. The report projects this number will rise to 641,000 in the coming months. The famine declaration is specifically for the northern Gaza governorate, where 280,000 people face the most severe level of food insecurity. This marks a grim milestone as the first famine the IPC has recorded outside of Africa in its history.
The findings prompted immediate and strong international reactions. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher stated the famine was “preventable,” laying blame on “systematic obstruction by Israel” that prevents aid from reaching those in need. In sharp contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the report as an “outright lie,” asserting that Israel has a policy of “preventing starvation,” not causing it. His government cited the entry of over 2 million tons of aid into the strip.
The IPC warned that the situation in other northern areas might be even worse than in Gaza City, but limited access and data have prevented a precise classification. The group also predicted that famine conditions will likely extend to central and southern regions, including Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis, by the end of July. The declaration sets the stage for intensified diplomatic pressure and underscores the severe human cost of the ongoing conflict.
