Gaza City, August 22, 2025 — In an unprecedented and heart-wrenching development, the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has officially confirmed famine in Gaza City — marking the first time the Middle East has seen such a declaration through the IPC’s rigorous assessment process, reported by BBC News.
The IPC’s formal recognition comes amid a catastrophic convergence of factors: relentless Israeli bombardment, a crippling blockade, the collapse of food infrastructure like bakeries and flour mills, and widespread shortages of therapeutic food — especially for young children.
According to the report, the famine is already affecting over half a million people — roughly a quarter of Gaza’s population — while projections suggest that southern regions such as Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis could face similar conditions before the end of September.
In just the first 20 days of August, malnutrition-related deaths surged, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting 133 fatalities — including 25 children — a stark rise that underscores the depth of the crisis. Over 130,000 children under five are now considered to be at imminent risk of death without lifesaving nutritional aid.
Despite some easing of aid restriction by Israel in late July, food deliveries remain insufficient, sporadic, and often intercepted before reaching vulnerable families.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved plans for a new assault on Gaza City, prompting the call-up of 60,000 reservists. The Israeli Defense Forces have issued evacuation warnings to residents as international agencies warn that further military escalation would magnify civilian suffering.
The UN, UK, and Red Cross have condemned the military build-up and urged for expanded humanitarian access and unimpeded aid delivery.
Meanwhile, Israel continues to dispute the famine claims, attributing the humanitarian collapse to aid mismanagement and interference by Hamas.
In the face of this grim confirmation, humanitarian agencies stress that the label “famine” should not be seen as an endpoint—but rather as an urgent call to action. The IPC outlines strict criteria for famine — from extreme household food shortages to acute child malnutrition and elevated mortality — a threshold Gaza has tragically crossed.
As Gaza edges closer to mass starvation, international efforts must focus on opening lifelines for large-scale, unfettered food aid. Time is running out.
