A global hunger monitor announced on Friday that famine no longer exists in Gaza, attributing the improvement to better access to humanitarian and commercial food supplies following a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 10.
Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) released its latest evaluation, marking a significant shift from four months ago when it reported that 514,000 individuals, almost a quarter of Gaza’s population, were facing famine. Despite the progress, the IPC cautioned that the situation in Gaza remains precarious and could deteriorate under a worst-case scenario, including renewed hostilities and disruptions to aid and commercial flows.
While United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres acknowledged the progress in averting famine, he emphasized the ongoing fragility of the situation, noting that the needs are outpacing the available aid. Disputing the famine claims, the Israeli military agency COGAT stated that substantial aid has been entering Gaza daily since the ceasefire, with food comprising the majority of supplies.
Hamas contested the reported aid volumes, alleging that the actual inflow is lower than stated. Aid agencies reiterated the urgent need for increased assistance into Gaza, accusing Israel of obstructing essential items from reaching the enclave, a claim which Israel denies.
The IPC highlighted that while Gaza has avoided a famine classification, over 100,000 individuals are still experiencing catastrophic conditions, with thousands in need of urgent malnutrition treatment. The situation is deemed highly fragile, contingent on sustained humanitarian and commercial access to prevent a resurgence of severe food shortages.
Despite some improvements noted by healthcare professionals, malnutrition remains prevalent in Gaza, affecting children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Efforts to address the hunger crisis face challenges, including congestion at border crossings hindering the timely delivery of aid supplies.
The United Nations, aid organizations, and officials stressed the importance of maintaining and expanding humanitarian efforts to prevent a return to famine conditions in Gaza. The International Rescue Committee cautioned against prematurely declaring an end to the crisis, emphasizing the critical need for continued and unhindered humanitarian access to avert further suffering.