The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has termed the famine confirmed in Gaza City and adjacent areas as a "failure of humanity," labelling it a "man-made disaster." The alarming assessment results from an evaluation by the UN-supported Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), which reported that over half a million individuals in Gaza are facing catastrophic conditions defined by starvation, destitution, and death.
Israel's government responded to the IPC report by dismissing its claims, declaring them an "outright lie" and rejecting accusations of starvation existing within the territory. The UN holds that Israeli restrictions on aid entering Gaza have directly exacerbated the crisis—a claim the Israeli administration disputes, despite corroborating reports from over 100 humanitarian organizations, multiple UN agencies, and various allies like the UK.
The IPC warns that, without immediate and large-scale intervention, famine-related deaths could escalate to unacceptable levels. Predictions indicate that by the end of September, approximately 641,000 people will encounter catastrophic conditions, while those facing emergency levels of food insecurity could rise to approximately 1.14 million.
Following the war's onset, Gaza's healthcare system has crumbled, with reports of 271 malnutrition-related deaths, including 112 children. Residents have described the dire plight, with a mother lamenting over her four-year-old child who has never tasted fruit or vegetables due to the ongoing famine. Another parent's account emphasized the drastic weight loss of her daughter, highlighting the physical impact of the food shortage.
In response to the IPC’s assessment, UN aid chief Tom Fletcher identified the famine as preventable, attributing the disruption in food access to systematic obstacles imposed by Israel. Guterres condemned the situation, stating that the term "famine" should not be a surprise but viewed instead as an indictment of humanity. He emphasized that Israel has explicit obligations under international law to ensure food and medical supplies to civilians.
UN agencies, including UNRWA, have claimed that this situation stems from deliberate policy actions by the Israeli government aimed at limiting aid access. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed this sentiment, calling it a profound moral failure.
In contradiction, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is focused on preventing starvation and has allowed significant aid into Gaza, although international observers have critiqued the effectiveness of such aid deliveries. Recent military interventions highlight the urgency of humanitarian needs, as Israel embarks on broader military actions in Gaza following the conflict escalation spurred by a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the international community faces growing pressure to respond effectively to avert widespread starvation.
