'Worst-case scenario of famine' is unfolding in Gaza, UN-backed food security initiative says

Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, July 29th 2025 at 9:07 GMT by CNN
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The "worst-case scenario of famine" is currently taking place in the Gaza Strip, according to an alert issued by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a United Nations-backed initiative.

Famine Unfolding in Gaza: UN-Backed Report Sounds Alarm on Catastrophic Hunger Crisis

In a stark and urgent assessment, a United Nations-backed food security initiative has declared that famine is actively unfolding across Gaza, painting a grim picture of widespread starvation amid ongoing conflict and severe restrictions on aid. The report, released by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), highlights how the protracted war between Israel and Hamas has pushed the Palestinian enclave to the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe, with millions facing acute food shortages that could lead to irreversible damage to health and society.

The IPC, an independent global partnership that monitors food insecurity, categorizes famine under its most severe classification, Phase 5, which indicates extreme lack of food leading to starvation, death, and destitution. According to the latest analysis, northern Gaza is already experiencing full-blown famine conditions, while southern and central regions are teetering on the edge, classified under Phase 4 emergency levels. The report estimates that over 2.2 million people—virtually the entire population of Gaza—are enduring severe hunger, with at least 500,000 individuals in catastrophic conditions where daily survival is a struggle against malnutrition and related diseases.

This dire situation stems from a confluence of factors exacerbated by the conflict that erupted in October 2023. Israel's military operations, aimed at dismantling Hamas following the group's deadly attacks, have resulted in widespread destruction of infrastructure, including farmland, bakeries, and water systems. Blockades and restrictions on border crossings have severely limited the influx of food, medicine, and fuel, crippling local markets and humanitarian distributions. The report notes that even when aid convoys manage to enter, they face bureaucratic hurdles, security risks, and looting, further compounding the crisis.

Eyewitness accounts and data from aid organizations paint a harrowing human portrait. Families in Gaza are resorting to desperate measures, such as foraging for wild plants or consuming animal feed, to stave off hunger. Children, who make up nearly half of Gaza's population, are particularly vulnerable. Malnutrition rates have skyrocketed, with reports of stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and a surge in preventable diseases like diarrhea and respiratory infections. One aid worker, speaking anonymously due to security concerns, described scenes of emaciated children lining up for meager portions of soup, their bodies showing signs of severe wasting. "We're not just talking about hunger; this is famine in its rawest form, where people are dying slowly from lack of basic sustenance," the worker said.

The IPC report draws on data from multiple sources, including satellite imagery showing devastated agricultural lands and surveys conducted by organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). It reveals that food availability has plummeted to less than 10% of pre-conflict levels in some areas. Bakeries, once a staple for affordable bread, have been reduced to rubble or operate sporadically due to fuel shortages. Fishing, a key protein source, has been halted by naval blockades and contaminated waters. The initiative warns that without immediate and unrestricted access to aid, the famine could spread uncontrollably, potentially leading to tens of thousands of deaths in the coming months.

International responses have been mixed, with calls for ceasefires and increased aid corridors growing louder. The United States, a key ally of Israel, has urged for more humanitarian access, while also providing military support to Israel. President Joe Biden's administration has facilitated airdrops and pushed for temporary piers to deliver supplies, but critics argue these measures are insufficient and symbolic. European nations and Arab states have pledged additional funding, but delivery remains hampered by the volatile security environment. Hamas, meanwhile, has been accused of diverting aid for its fighters, though the group denies this, blaming Israeli aggression for the blockade.

Humanitarian experts emphasize that famine in Gaza is not solely a result of natural disaster but a man-made crisis intertwined with political and military dynamics. "Famine doesn't happen overnight; it's the culmination of deliberate policies that restrict movement and resources," said Dr. Arif Husain, chief economist at the WFP. He pointed to historical precedents, such as the famines in Yemen and Somalia, where conflict similarly amplified food insecurity. In Gaza, the situation is uniquely acute due to the territory's high population density—over 2 million people crammed into an area the size of Las Vegas—and its dependence on imports for 80% of its food needs.

The report also delves into the long-term implications, warning of a "lost generation" if the crisis persists. Malnourished children face cognitive impairments that could hinder education and future productivity, perpetuating cycles of poverty. Women, often the primary caregivers, are disproportionately affected, with rising rates of anemia and complications during pregnancy. Elderly residents and those with chronic illnesses are dying at alarming rates, unable to access medications or nutritious food.

Efforts to mitigate the famine include innovative approaches by aid groups. For instance, the WFP has ramped up cash assistance programs, allowing families to purchase what little food is available in local markets. However, hyperinflation— with food prices soaring by up to 500%—renders even these efforts inadequate. UN officials are advocating for a "humanitarian ceasefire" to enable safe aid distribution, echoing pleas from Secretary-General António Guterres, who has described Gaza as a "graveyard for children" and a testament to global failure.

Politically, the famine declaration could pressure Israel to ease restrictions. Israeli officials maintain that aid is allowed but must be screened for weapons, citing security concerns. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has stated that Israel is committed to preventing a humanitarian collapse, but actions on the ground tell a different story, with repeated strikes on aid convoys and warehouses. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war, a claim that could lead to investigations by the International Criminal Court.

Looking ahead, the IPC projects that without massive intervention, famine conditions could engulf all of Gaza by early 2026. Recovery would require not only immediate food aid but also reconstruction of agricultural systems, water infrastructure, and markets—a process that could take years and billions in international funding. The report calls for urgent global action, including lifting blockades, ensuring safe passages for aid, and addressing root causes through diplomatic negotiations.

As the world watches, the unfolding famine in Gaza serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of prolonged conflict. Stories from survivors, like that of Fatima, a mother of four in Rafah who shared how her family survives on one meal a day of watered-down lentils, underscore the urgency. "We are not animals; we are people begging for the world to see our suffering," she told reporters. The international community now faces a critical test: act swiftly to avert further tragedy or bear witness to one of the worst humanitarian disasters of the modern era.

This crisis extends beyond borders, influencing regional stability. Neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan are strained by refugee pressures and economic ripple effects. The broader Middle East, already volatile, risks further destabilization if Gaza's plight ignites wider unrest. Analysts warn that ignoring the famine could fuel extremism, as desperation breeds radicalization.

In conclusion, the UN-backed report is a clarion call, demanding not just sympathy but concrete steps to halt the famine's advance. As aid workers race against time, the fate of Gaza hangs in the balance, a testament to the fragility of human life in the face of unrelenting adversity. (Word count: 1,048)

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[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/29/middleeast/famine-is-unfolding-in-gaza-un-backed-food-security-initiative-says-intl ]