UN officially declares famine in Gaza

Israel immediately rejected the UN-backed report, calling it “based on Hamas lies laundered through organisations with vested interests.”

500,000 facing famine in Gaza City

The Rome-based Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Initiative (IPC) reported that around 500,000 people in the Gaza governorate—home to nearly one-fifth of Gaza’s population—are now experiencing famine-level conditions.

The IPC also projected that by the end of September, famine will spread to Deir el-Balah and Khan Younis, ultimately affecting two-thirds of the entire territory.

Aid blockages and warnings ignored

For months, UN agencies and humanitarian organisations had warned of an impending famine as Israel repeatedly restricted or blocked aid shipments.

According to UN aid chief Tom Fletcher, the famine was entirely preventable, but “food cannot get through because of systematic obstruction by Israel.”

In early March, Israel implemented a two-month complete ban on aid, causing widespread shortages of food, medicine, and fuel.

Human rights concerns and war crimes

UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk stated that the use of starvation as a method of warfare constitutes a war crime, and deaths resulting from famine may amount to “wilful killing.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire, warning: “We cannot allow this situation to continue with impunity.”

‘This famine should haunt us all’

The IPC described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic,” with more than half a million people facing starvation, destitution, and death.

By the end of September, the number of those affected is expected to rise to 614,000 people.

UN humanitarian chief Fletcher said in Geneva: “This is a famine we could have prevented if we had been allowed. Yet food stacks up at borders because of systematic obstruction by Israel.”

Israeli leaders double down

While international pressure mounts, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning, stating: “The gates of hell will open upon Hamas… If they do not agree [to our terms], Gaza City will become Rafah and Beit Hanoun.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said hostage release negotiations would continue alongside military operations to seize Gaza City.

Ongoing conflict and stalled ceasefire talks

Earlier this week, Israel called up 60,000 reservists to support its efforts to take control of Gaza City. The UN humanitarian office warned that such an operation will have a “horrific humanitarian impact.”

Ceasefire talks, mediated by international actors, are ongoing. Hamas recently accepted a new proposal involving staggered hostage releases, but Israel insists on the release of all hostages at once.