Gaza's health authorities reported on Tuesday that Israel's military campaign has now claimed over 60,000 Palestinian lives, as a global hunger monitor warned of an accelerating manmade famine requiring urgent international intervention. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) stated widespread starvation and disease are driving hunger-related deaths, with plans to formally assess whether Gaza meets famine criteria.
The World Food Programme (WFP) revealed only half the required food supplies are reaching Gaza despite recent humanitarian pauses, leaving 470,000 people facing famine-like conditions. Gaza's health ministry reports at least 147 starvation deaths since May, including 88 children, while UN agencies estimate 62,000 metric tons of monthly food aid are needed—a target unmet by current deliveries.
While Israel recently announced daily pauses in military operations and new aid corridors, aid groups say restrictions continue to prevent the reopening of critical infrastructure like bakeries. "We lack both permissions and stocks to reactivate food distribution networks," said WFP representative Ross Smith, noting the current 37,800-ton June food supply remains insufficient.
With images of emaciated children sparking global outcry, the IPC's potential famine declaration aims to pressure stakeholders to address what it calls a preventable crisis. However, questions remain about whether formal classifications can overcome logistical and political barriers to aid delivery in the territory of 2.1 million people.
