The latest IPC report, tracking global malnutrition and food insecurity, indicates that no areas in Gaza are classified as in famine (IPC Phase 5) due to improved access following the October 10 ceasefire. However, most of Gaza remains in emergency (IPC Phase 4), with high acute malnutrition rates affecting hundreds of thousands. From mid-October to the end of November, about 1.6 million people, or 77% of the population analyzed, faced crisis-level hunger (Phase 3) or worse, including over 500,000 in emergency (Phase 4) and more than 100,000 in catastrophe (Phase 5).
UN Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledged the progress but warned that the gains are fragile. He noted that 1.6 million people in Gaza are projected to face extreme food insecurity and malnutrition risks. The IPC analysis predicts that by mid-April 2026, around 571,000 people will remain in emergency conditions, with approximately 1,900 facing catastrophe-level hunger. A worst-case scenario could see the entire Gaza Strip face famine again.
Malnutrition, particularly among children and pregnant and breastfeeding women, is a major concern. Nearly 101,000 children aged six to 59 months are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition through mid-October 2026, with more than 31,000 severe cases. An estimated 37,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are projected to need treatment. Despite increased food aid, assistance primarily meets only basic survival needs, with health services and infrastructure still severely damaged.
Mr. Guterres highlighted the harsh conditions in Gaza, urging for a truly durable ceasefire and improved access for aid. He emphasized the need for more crossings into Gaza, fewer restrictions, and sustained funding to prevent further deterioration of Gaza’s food security situation, which could have lasting impacts on the population.
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