A recent report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has declared a critical famine situation in the Gaza Governorate, marking an unprecedented crisis in the region. Released on Friday, the report reveals a severe food scarcity impacting over 30 percent of households in Gaza, with nearby areas like Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis also severely affected.

The IPC, a collaborative entity of 21 international nonprofits, defines famine as a dire condition where a significant portion of the population faces extreme food shortages, acute malnutrition, and death. Currently, the famine in Gaza is affecting an estimated 640,000 people, with children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses most vulnerable.

This crisis is described by the IPC as "entirely man-made," exacerbated by the destruction of local food systems, restrictive import policies, and the displacement of communities. Despite some aid efforts by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), the IPC criticizes these as insufficient, noting that many civilians have been harmed while attempting to access this assistance.

In response to the escalating situation, international bodies including UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Health Organization (WHO) are advocating for an immediate ceasefire. They urge that only a halt in hostilities can allow for the necessary large-scale humanitarian interventions to prevent further catastrophe.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has emphasized Israel's "unequivocal obligations" under international law to ensure the provision of food and medical supplies to the Gaza population. In stark contrast, Israel’s Foreign Ministry has contested the IPC’s findings, alleging that the report was manipulated to support Hamas's narratives and denying the existence of a famine.

The alarming situation in Gaza has also reignited accusations against Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war, a strategy condemned under international humanitarian law.

As the crisis unfolds, the IPC’s analysis stands out as a critical call to action, urging global leaders and communities to prioritize humanitarian aid and diplomatic efforts to restore peace and stability in Gaza. This report marks the first confirmed famine in the Middle East by the IPC, highlighting the severe and expanding nature of food insecurity in the region.