Famine is increasingly becoming a pressing issue in the northern Gaza Strip, with projections indicating a potential expansion of this crisis into central and southern regions by the end of September 2025. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) initiative, the situation is dire in the Gaza governorate, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians reside. The report highlights that over half a million individuals are currently facing famine conditions (IPC Phase 5), which is characterized by extreme starvation, acute malnutrition, and increased mortality rates. Furthermore, an alarming 1.07 million people, constituting 54 percent of the population, are deemed to be in emergency situations (IPC Phase 4), while approximately 396,000 individuals (20 percent) are classified as being in crisis (IPC Phase 3).
The IPC forecasts a deterioration of these conditions between mid-August and the end of September 2025, with expectations that famine will spread to the central Deir el-Balah and southern Khan Younis areas. Officials anticipate that nearly a third of Gaza’s population—around 641,000 people—will face catastrophic conditions, further demonstrating the severity of the crisis. This report marks the first official confirmation of famine in Gaza and indicates the most critical decline in food security since the IPC partnership, which comprises 21 organizations, began monitoring the region.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has termed Gaza’s famine a “man-made disaster” and called it a profound moral failing. He emphasized that famine extends beyond mere food scarcity, representing a collapse of systems necessary for human survival. Guterres underscored that the occupying power carries explicit obligations under international law to ensure that food and medical supplies reach the Palestinian population in Gaza.
Concerns have been raised regarding the accessibility of humanitarian assistance. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher noted that significant aid is available nearby but remains restricted due to ongoing limitations on commercial and humanitarian deliveries. He called for urgent action to alleviate these restrictions.
In light of the IPC report, the foreign ministry of Israel disputed the existence of widespread famine, stating that over 100,000 aid trucks have entered Gaza and that food prices have decreased significantly. Israeli representatives have consistently attributed food shortages to the actions of Hamas, particularly with regard to the hostages taken during conflicts.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have criticized Israel for policies that they claim deliberately exacerbate conditions in Gaza, impacting the health and wellbeing of the Palestinian population. The humanitarian landscape remains complex, with calls for assistance gaining urgency against a backdrop of ongoing conflict.
This situation highlights the need for international cooperation and dialogue to address the humanitarian crisis effectively while supporting the resilience and dignity of the Palestinian people.
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