As of July 29, 2025, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), supported by the UN and including WHO among its members, has issued a stark alert that Gaza is experiencing a "worst-case scenario of famine." The Gaza Strip, home to over 2.1 million people, is suffering from widespread starvation, malnutrition, and disease, which are driving increased hunger-related deaths.
The IPC assessment reports that famine thresholds have been reached for food consumption across much of Gaza and for acute malnutrition specifically in Gaza City. Recent data indicate that many residents, especially children under five, are suffering severe acute malnutrition, with hospitals reporting deaths linked to hunger and malnutrition. The Gaza Health Ministry, overseen by Hamas, reported 147 malnutrition-related deaths since the conflict's onset in October 2023, including 88 children.
UN officials, including Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, have described the humanitarian situation as catastrophic, calling for an immediate and unobstructed flow of aid including food, water, medicine, and fuel into Gaza. Aid delivery remains limited due to conflict, restricted border crossings, damage to infrastructure, and ongoing hostilities.
Despite partial reopening of crossings and humanitarian pauses, aid reaching the population is only a fraction of what is needed to avert mass starvation. The World Food Programme (WFP) highlights that only half of requested convoys successfully enter Gaza, with delays, bottlenecks, and security threats complicating distribution.
The grim outlook warns of widespread death by starvation unless hostilities end and humanitarian corridors enable large-scale food aid. The situation is considered a man-made humanitarian catastrophe linked to the ongoing conflict and blockade.
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