Famine Risk and Food Crisis in Gaza Strip
The Gaza Strip faces a severe food crisis in 2025. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) reports that a third of Gaza’s population is going days without eating. Despite the worsening situation, famine has not yet been officially declared. Israel has agreed to pause military operations for 10 hours daily in some areas to allow humanitarian aid. However, aid deliveries remain limited and dangerous for civilians gathering food.
Current Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
Gaza’s 2.3 million residents suffer from extreme food shortages. Since March 2025, Israel imposed a blockade, stopping all supplies. Limited aid resumed in May but remains insufficient. Around 900 people have been killed at aid distribution points. UN agencies warn of widespread malnutrition and hunger. Aid trucks entering Gaza have dropped from 600 daily to about 250 weekly. The Israeli military has begun airdropping food parcels and promised humanitarian corridors.
About Famine Declaration Criteria
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) guides famine declarations globally. Established in 2004, IPC is a collaboration of UN agencies, governments, and aid groups. It defines famine by three conditions – at least 20% of households face extreme food shortages; 30% or more children under five suffer acute malnutrition; and mortality rates exceed two adults or four children per 10,000 daily due to starvation or related disease. Only when all criteria are met can famine be officially declared.
IPC Food Insecurity Phases and Gaza’s Status
IPC classifies food insecurity on a five-point scale – Phase 1 (Normal), Phase 2 (Stressed), Phase 3 (Crisis), Phase 4 (Emergency), and Phase 5 (Famine/Catastrophe). Between May and September 2025, Gaza is projected to be in Phase 4 (Emergency) overall. Approximately 22% of the population faces Phase 5 (Catastrophe), 54% Phase 4, and 24% Phase 3. Over 71,000 children under five are expected to be acutely malnourished, with 14,100 severely affected.
Challenges in Aid Delivery and Data Collection
Accurate data gathering in Gaza is hindered by damaged infrastructure and restricted access. UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) staff report malnutrition among workers and widespread hunger among children. Despite stockpiles of food and medical supplies in neighbouring countries, restrictions delay their entry. The humanitarian crisis deepens as families struggle to survive amid ongoing conflict and blockade.
International Response and Aid Efforts
International pressure has led to some easing of restrictions. Israel permits limited aid convoys and airdrops but maintains tight control over access. The UN and humanitarian groups continue to call for unrestricted aid flow. The IPC’s famine classification system is crucial in mobilising global response before conditions worsen further. Past famines declared by IPC include those in Somalia (2011) and South Sudan (2017, 2020).
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