UN-Backed Report Confirms First Famine in Gaza City
A UN-backed food security analysis declares severe famine in Gaza City, warning that over half a million people face catastrophic conditions amid restricted aid.
Gaza City and nearby areas have met the criteria for famine, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a UN-backed body of experts. The IPC raised Gaza's status to Phase 5—the most severe level—indicating that more than 500,000 people are now experiencing "catastrophic" conditions marked by starvation, destitution and death.
The report warns that if current trends continue, famine will spread to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis between mid-August and the end of September. During this period, nearly 641,000 residents are expected to face Phase 5 conditions, while an additional 1.14 million could fall into Phase 4, described as "emergency" level.
Israel disputes the IPC's findings, attributing the report to misinformation from Hamas, and continues to impose strict limits on humanitarian aid entering Gaza.
This declaration marks the first official confirmation of famine in the Middle East since the IPC began its assessments. Although the IPC itself cannot formally declare a famine—that authority rests with governments or the UN—their classification could prompt an official famine declaration.
The announcement comes as Israel readies a new military operation in Gaza City, following the 7 October 2023 attack by Hamas on southern Israel. Since then, Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry reports over 62,000 deaths. More than 90% of buildings are damaged or destroyed, and vital services like healthcare, water and sanitation have collapsed amid repeated displacement of civilians.
The IPC’s elevation of Gaza to Phase 5 spotlights an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe that may lead to an official famine declaration.
This topic was reported by BBC.
Discover the latest news and current events in World News as of 22-08-2025. The article titled " UN-Backed Report Confirms First Famine in Gaza City " provides you with the most relevant and reliable information in the World News field. Each news piece is thoroughly analyzed to deliver valuable insights to our readers.
The information in " UN-Backed Report Confirms First Famine in Gaza City " helps you make better-informed decisions within the World News category. Our news articles are continuously updated and adhere to journalistic standards.