UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis results as a “man-made disaster, a moral indictment – and a failure of humanity itself.”
“Famine is not about food; it is the deliberate collapse of the systems needed for human survival.”
Famine conditions are expected to extend from Gaza Governorate to Deir Al Balah and Khan Younis in the upcoming weeks, according to the IPC estimates.
UN agencies have emphasized the urgent need for immediate and comprehensive humanitarian aid due to the rising hunger-related deaths, worsening acute malnutrition, and declining food consumption in Gaza, where large numbers go without food for days.
Israel’s obligations
“As the occupying power, Israel has unequivocal obligations under international law – including the duty of ensuring food and medical supplies for the population,” stated the UN chief, responding to the IPC’s famine declaration, which is backed by many governments, UN agencies, and NGOs as the definitive measure of food insecurity and malnutrition.
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Mr. Guterres said Israel must not shirk its responsibilities: “No more excuses. The time for action is now.”
Silence the guns, release the hostages
UN agencies in Gaza echoed the UN chief’s call for an immediate ceasefire to enable unimpeded humanitarian response and the immediate release of all hostages taken during the 7 October 2023 attacks by Hamas and other militants.
Agencies also voiced concerns about the intensified military offensive on Gaza City, which would further devastate civilians where famine conditions already exist.
“Many people – especially sick and malnourished children, older people, and people with disabilities – may be unable to evacuate,” they stated in a joint statement.
Famine set to expand
By the end of September, over 640,000 people will experience ‘catastrophic’ food insecurity – classified as IPC Phase 5 – across the Gaza Strip.
An additional 1.14 million people will be in phase 4, with another 396,000 facing phase 3 ‘crisis’ conditions.
North Gaza’s conditions are likely as severe as Gaza City’s, but limited data prevented an IPC classification, unders
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