United Nations (TDI): More than 1.8 million Palestinians in Gaza are suffering from “extremely critical” levels of hunger, according to a UN-backed food security assessment released on Thursday.
The ongoing Israeli military offensive has devastated 70 percent of Gaza’s crop fields and destroyed livelihoods across the region.
Data from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system reveals that 133,000 people in Gaza—approximately 6 percent of the population—are already facing Phase 5, or “catastrophic” food insecurity.
The report warns that this number could rise to 345,000, or 16 percent of the population, between November and April.
“The risk of famine persists throughout the Gaza Strip. With the intensification of hostilities, the worst-case scenario is increasingly likely,” the assessment noted.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the findings, as massive displacement and restrictions on humanitarian aid continue to aggravate the situation.
“One year into the conflict, famine looms. This is intolerable,” said Farhan Haq, the UN Deputy Spokesperson, during a news briefing.
The Secretary-General called on Israel to reopen all border crossings immediately, allowing humanitarian aid to flow freely, he said.
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Haq emphasized that bureaucratic hurdles must be removed and law and order restored in Gaza to facilitate the delivery of life-saving aid.
The IPC assessment stressed that widespread access to food, medical supplies, water, and essential services across Gaza is crucial to preventing a rapid descent into famine.
Call for Immediate Ceasefire
The report also called for an immediate ceasefire and the restoration of food systems to curb the rising threat of malnutrition.
UN agencies, despite immense challenges including insecurity and access issues, continue to provide aid to the people of Gaza.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is prioritizing local food production and nutritional support, particularly with the winter season approaching.
Hunger and malnutrition have historically spiked in Gaza during the colder months, even before the current conflict.
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Beth Bechdol, Deputy Director-General of FAO, urged for immediate action.
“To curb hunger and malnutrition, we must act now—immediately cease hostilities and restore humanitarian access to deliver critical food aid and agricultural inputs in time for the winter crop season,” she said.
