In brief
Recent reports from UN-backed experts indicate an improvement in food supplies in Gaza following the ceasefire. However, 100,000 residents continue to live in catastrophic conditions, with half a million facing severe food insecurity. Despite efforts to increase food aid since October, the persistence of significant humanitarian challenges raises concerns about the fragility of the situation. Israel disputes the findings, claiming they misrepresent the realities in Gaza.
UN-backed experts say there have been improvements in nutrition and food supplies in Gaza since the ceasefire, but 100,000 people still experienced 'catastrophic conditions' last month.
In August, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), which monitors and classifies global hunger crises, reported that half a million people—or about a quarter of Gaza's population—were living in areas suffering from famine.
The UN and other humanitarian agencies have been able to increase food shipments to Gaza since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in October.
Israel's foreign ministry criticized the IPC report as 'deliberately distorted,' claiming it does not reflect the reality in the Gaza Strip.
The latest IPC analysis suggests that a month ago, half a million Gazans were still facing emergency conditions, with more than 100,000 categorized in IPC Phase 5, defined as experiencing 'catastrophic conditions'. It projects that the number will continue to decrease but emphasizes that the situation remains 'highly fragile.'
IPC Phase 5 indicates the most severe level of food insecurity, labeled as 'famine' for an area or 'catastrophe' for households. The report confirmed that no areas in Gaza are now classified as in famine.
Israel has repeatedly rejected the IPC's findings, arguing its methodology lacks credibility. Cogat, the Israeli military authority managing Gaza's crossings, stated that more food aid trucks are entering Gaza each week than the UN projected as necessary.
Cogat criticized the report for relying on questionable data collection methods and sources. The IPC responded, asserting that their analysis utilized publicly available data from both UN sources and Cogat.
Acute malnutrition levels in Gaza City are reported as critical, particularly in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis. The IPC warns that the situation could deteriorate again if hostilities resume, with all of Gaza at risk of famine.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated earlier this month that a second phase of the US-brokered peace plan, involving further troop withdrawal from Gaza and disarmament of Hamas, is close to fruition but critical issues remain unresolved.
UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, expressed in a statement that while Gaza is no longer classified as being in famine, living conditions remain dire, exacerbated by winter weather. They stressed the need for sustained access to humanitarian aid.
