The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached a critical point, as highlighted by a recent United Nations-backed assessment. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) released a report indicating that the approximately 2.1 million Palestinians living in Gaza face "extreme levels of food insecurity" and are at "critical risk" of famine. The ongoing Israeli blockade on humanitarian aid has exacerbated the crisis, causing a significant deterioration in conditions since October 2024, although the report clarifies that famine is not currently occurring.
The IPC report noted that a two-month ceasefire between Israel and Hamas had temporarily alleviated some of the hardships faced by Gaza's residents. However, this respite was short-lived, as renewed hostilities and the reinstated Israeli blockade in early March reversed any progress made. The report highlights that 244,000 people are currently experiencing "catastrophic" levels of food insecurity, underscoring the need for immediate action to avert the increasingly probable risk of famine.
Since mid-March, Israel has resumed its military operations in Gaza and has imposed a blockade that has prevented the entry of food, medication, and other essential aid for 70 days. The Israeli government has justified the blockade as a measure to pressure Hamas into releasing its remaining hostages. This action has drawn widespread international condemnation, including from the United Nations, which has stated that supplies are ready to enter Gaza once Israel permits. Various aid agencies have criticized the blockade, suggesting it could constitute a war crime and amounts to a policy of starvation.
The IPC assessment reveals that half a million people in Gaza, or one in five, are facing the threat of starvation. The report also predicts that nearly 71,000 children under the age of five will suffer from acute malnutrition over the next 11 months, until April 2026. Facing these dire circumstances, many households have resorted to desperate measures to secure food, including begging and scavenging to sell items for food.
The report underscores the dramatic escalation of one of the world's most severe food and nutrition crises, driven by conflict and characterized by immense human suffering. It found that 1.95 million people, representing 93% of Gaza's population, are enduring high levels of acute food insecurity, with 244,000 in "catastrophic" conditions. The IPC, a global initiative involving UN agencies, aid groups, and governments, serves as the primary mechanism for the international community to assess famine conditions.
Israeli officials have denied claims of a hunger crisis in Gaza, citing the quantity of aid that entered during the ceasefire as evidence. Meanwhile, Hamas announced its intention to release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander as part of ongoing efforts to negotiate a ceasefire agreement. Hamas stated that this gesture was also aimed at facilitating a deal for the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The Israeli Prime Minister's office, however, clarified that it had not committed to a ceasefire but only to establishing a "safe corridor" for Alexander's release.
The situation in the region remains tense, with US President Donald Trump scheduled to arrive in the Middle East on Tuesday. Israel has vowed to expand its military offensive against Hamas if an agreement is not reached by the end of Trump's visit. Israeli officials have outlined plans for an expanded offensive, which include the indefinite seizure of territory, the forcible displacement of Palestinians to the south, and taking control of aid distribution through private companies. These plans have met opposition from the UN and its humanitarian partners, who argue that it appears to "weaponize" aid and have refused to cooperate.
The IPC's report also criticized the proposed aid distribution plans, deeming them "highly insufficient." It warned that large portions of the population would likely face significant challenges in accessing the designated distribution sites. The ongoing conflict stems from Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of more than 250 hostages. Currently, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with up to 24 believed to still be alive.
In response to the conflict, Israel's military campaign has resulted in the deaths of 52,862 people in Gaza, according to the health ministry run by Hamas. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, with urgent calls for international intervention to address the dire food insecurity and prevent further loss of life.