According to the recent CPI report, global monitoring of malnutrition and food insecurity indicates that no area of Gaza is currently experiencing famine (IPC Phase 5) due to better humanitarian and commercial access after the October 10 ceasefire. However, nearly all of the Gaza Strip remains in an emergency situation (IPC Phase 4), with hundreds of thousands facing high acute malnutrition rates.
Between mid-October and late November, around 1.6 million people, or about 77% of the population analyzed, encountered crisis-level famine (phase 3) or worse, including more than 500,000 in emergency (phase 4) and over 100,000 in disaster (phase 5).
“Dangerously fragile” gains
UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted that the latest findings indicate progress but warned that these gains are “fragile – and dangerous.” “The famine has been pushed back. Many more people have access to the food they need to survive,” he stated at UN headquarters in New York. However, he added that 1.6 million people in Gaza—more than 75% of the population—are anticipated to face extreme acute food insecurity and critical malnutrition risks.
The IPC analysis forecasts that until mid-April 2026, approximately 571,000 individuals will remain in emergency conditions, while around 1,900 people will continue to face catastrophic hunger. In a worst-case scenario—such as renewed hostilities or halted humanitarian and commercial flows—the entire Gaza Strip could face famine again.
Malnutrition is a major concern
Malnutrition remains a significant issue, particularly among children and pregnant or lactating women. Nearly 101,000 children aged six to 59 months are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition by mid-October 2026, with more than 31,000 severe cases. It is also estimated that 37,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women will require treatment.
Although food aid has risen, the report notes that it largely meets only basic survival needs. Health services, water and sanitation systems, housing, and livelihoods remain critically damaged, leaving families vulnerable, especially during winter.
A “truly lasting” ceasefire is needed
“Families are enduring unbearable situations,” Guterres remarked, describing children sleeping in flooded tents and buildings collapsing amid heavy rain and wind. Humanitarian teams are preparing over 1.5 million hot meals daily, reopening nutrition centers, and restoring water and health services. Still, he cautioned that needs are growing faster than aid can be delivered.
“We need a truly lasting ceasefire,” he emphasized, advocating for more crossings into Gaza, fewer restrictions on essential supplies, safe routes within the Strip, sustainable funding, and unhindered humanitarian access.
The IPC report stresses that without sustained and expanded access, ongoing aid, and rebuilding of critical infrastructure, Gaza’s food security situation could deteriorate rapidly, with lasting consequences for an already traumatized population.
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