Famine officially declared in Gaza for first time by UN-backed group

The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) declared a famine in Gaza City, a historic first for the Middle East. Over 500,000 people face starvation, with 271 deaths, including 112 children, reported by Gaza’s health ministry. The IPC cites restricted aid access as a primary cause. The IPC, established in 2004, has declared only five famines, with Gaza’s driven by ongoing conflict and aid blockages. The situation worsens as military operations continue, displacing residents and straining resources.

The IPC confirms 20% of households lack food, 30% of children suffer acute malnutrition, and two per 10,000 die daily from starvation. “After 22 months of relentless conflict, over half a million people in the Gaza Strip are facing catastrophic conditions,” the IPC briefing states.

The famine, centered in Gaza Governorate, may spread to Deir Al-Balah and Khan Younis by September. Over 1.07 million Gazans face emergency-level food insecurity. Hamas’s aid distribution practices are under scrutiny, contributing to the crisis. International partners, including Oxfam and Unicef, project 641,000 people in catastrophic conditions by September.