Famine is occurring in Gaza, just a short distance from hundreds of aid trucks idling outside its borders. This situation has arisen due to several factors. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), endorsed by the UN, reports that half a million people—one-quarter of Gaza’s population—are experiencing famine, a condition deemed “entirely man-made.” Aid groups blame Israel for obstructing food entry into Gaza. The IPC reports famine conditions in Gaza City characterized by “starvation, destitution, and death,” with starvation spreading rapidly and potentially affecting much of Gaza by September. The report uses indicators such as starvation, malnutrition, and mortality, revealing that at least 1 in 5 households face severe food shortages, about 1 in 3 children are acutely malnourished, and at least 2 in every 10,000 people die daily from starvation or related diseases. Famine is declared when two of these thresholds are met.
Although the “mortality” indicator isn’t evident due to monitoring breakdowns, expert judgment leads IPC to conclude that famine is present, noting Gaza’s health ministry documented two new malnutrition deaths, totaling 273, including 112 children. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu denies the famine, blaming aid agencies and Hamas for any hunger. Israel accuses international aid agencies of not picking up aid from the border. Reports show significant obstacles to accessing food in Gaza due to ongoing warfare, heightened entry restrictions since October 2023, and a total Israeli blockade from March 2025. While goods re-entered in late May under international pressure, the redesigned distribution system by Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), with distant militarized food sites, complicates access, leading to near-daily shootings at distribution points and the death of 994 Palestinians near these sites.
Despite calls to allow more aid, Israel lifted some restrictions in July to permit more truck shipments and enacted “tactical pauses” in fighting. Although this slightly reduced exorbitant market prices, the UN claims considerable barriers remain, noting that only half of the essential 600 daily aid trucks are allowed in. Airdrops were criticized as inefficient. Israel blames Hamas for the crisis, yet a US report found no evidence of systematic aid diversion. Most lootings are by desperate Palestinians or profit-seeking groups, according to aid agencies. Agencies stress the need for unrestricted road aid entry to avert the crisis.
In response, Israeli officials reject the IPC’s findings, alleging bias and adjustments to famine criteria. The IPC refutes this, citing adherence to established standards. Allegations of bias against Gaza’s Health Ministry data are countered with claims of its data’s reliability during the conflict. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized Israel’s legal obligation to ensure food and medical supplies, while the UK’s Foreign Secretary decried Israel’s role in the crisis. The UN Human Rights Chief labeled the use of starvation as a war crime. Amidst this, Israel plans to deploy thousands of reservists in a controversial Gaza City invasion, a move criticized by UN organizations for exacerbating civilian suffering, especially among vulnerable groups facing evacuation challenges.