A UN-backed report has confirmed famine in parts of the Gaza Strip, marking the first officially declared famine in the Middle East. Over 500,000 people—nearly a quarter of Gaza's population—are trapped in catastrophic food insecurity, with conditions expected to worsen by September. The crisis, described as 'starvation by design' by UN officials, highlights severe restrictions on aid and agricultural collapse.
Humanitarian Catastrophe
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report reveals that 30% of Gaza's population faces 'catastrophic' hunger, with acute malnutrition rates among children surging six-fold since January. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the situation a 'moral indictment,' while Philippe Lazzarini of UNRWA accused Israel of blocking food supplies. Gaza's health authorities report 273 starvation-related deaths since October 2023, including 112 children.
Daily Struggles
Residents like Hadi Al-Sorani in Gaza City describe hours-long waits for food, often returning empty-handed. Umm Ahmed, a mother in Zeitoun, feeds her children only flatbread, fearing her malnourished son may not survive. Hospitals, overwhelmed by malnutrition cases, lack critical medicines. 'We are losing children daily,' said pediatrician Ahmed Yousef.
International Pressure
The report has intensified calls for Israel to lift aid restrictions. Guterres emphasized Israel's legal obligations as the 'occupying power,' while Palestinian authorities urged global intervention to halt 'genocide.' Israel denies the famine claims, but analysts warn the IPC's findings could pressure allies to act. A ceasefire and unrestricted aid access remain critical to averting further deaths.
