Gaza is at serious risk of famine unless Israel ends its blockade and military operations, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a UN-backed group warned on Monday.
In its latest report, the IPC warned of a “major deterioration” in Gaza’s food security situation, stating that Palestinians in the territory face “a critical risk of famine.”
“Goods indispensable for people’s survival are either depleted or expected to run out in the coming weeks. The entire population is facing high levels of acute food insecurity, with half a million people – one in five – facing starvation,” the IPC said.
Israel shut off all aid to Gaza in early March following the expiration of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. Since then, no food, medicine, fuel, or other supplies have entered the territory. Israeli strikes and ground attacks resumed soon after.
Israel said the blockade is necessary to pressure Hamas to release 59 hostages taken during the October 2023 attack.
The IPC has rarely declared famine, only four times since 2004. To meet the full criteria, in addition to widespread food shortages, there must be high levels of child malnutrition and increased death rates.
So far, only the first condition has been met in Gaza. But experts warn that by the time the full conditions are reached, thousands may already be dead.
Meanwhile, aid workers in Gaza told The Guardian that prices for essential goods have risen further in recent days, warehouses are empty, and humanitarian teams treating malnourished children are being forced to split rations intended for one patient between two, in a desperate effort to give both a chance of survival.
“The stocks we brought in during the [two-month-long] ceasefire are running very low. We have treated more than 11,000 children since the beginning of the year … In coming weeks, we fear we will see more children dying,” said Jonathan Crickx, a spokesperson for Unicef.
The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization separately warned that Gaza is at “imminent risk of famine,” stating that agriculture is “on the brink of total collapse” and urging the “immediate” lifting of the blockade.
