Gaza on the Brink: UN-Backed Report Warns 2.1 Million Face Imminent Famine as Aid Remains Blocked

GAZA, PALESTINE — The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification snapshot for Gaza (IPC), a UN-backed report, warns of imminent famine across Gaza: 2.1 million people face acute food insecurity. One in five is at risk of starvation. Malnutrition leads to disability and death. Israel must let aid in now. Let us do our job.

Nineteen months into the conflict, the Gaza Strip is still confronted with a critical risk of Famine. Over 60 days have passed since all humanitarian aid and commercial supplies were blocked from entering the territory. Goods indispensable for people’s survival are either depleted or expected to run out in the coming weeks. The entire population is facing high levels of acute food insecurity, with half a million people (one in five) facing starvation. Explore the IPC - Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report on Gaza for more information.

According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification snapshot for Gaza (IPC), from May 11 to the end of September 2025, the whole territory is classified in Emergency (IPC Phase 4), with the entire population expected to face Crisis or worse acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above). This includes 470,000 people (22 percent of the population) in Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5), over a million people (54 percent) in Emergency (IPC Phase 4), and the remaining half million (24 percent) in Crisis (IPC Phase 3). This marks a significant deterioration compared to the previous IPC analysis (released in October 2024) and the already dire conditions detected between April 1 and May 10, 2025. During this time, 1.95 million people (93 percent) were classified in Crisis or worse (IPC Phase 3 or above), including 244,000 people (12 percent) in IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe) and 925,000 (44 percent) in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency).

Between April 1 and May 10, acute malnutrition (AMN) was at Alert and Serious levels (IPC AMN Phase 2 and 3). However, experience has shown that acute malnutrition can worsen rapidly, and the latest data indicates a deteriorating trend that is expected to persist. Consequently, acute malnutrition in North Gaza, Gaza, and Rafah governorates will likely reach Critical levels (IPC AMN Phase 4) between May 11 and the end of September.

Between mid-January and mid-March 2025, the ceasefire temporarily alleviated acute food insecurity and malnutrition conditions in parts of the Gaza Strip. However, the ongoing blockade imposed in early March reversed the situation. Since March 18, the escalating conflict has displaced over 430,000 people, further disrupted access to humanitarian assistance, markets, health, water, and sanitation services, and caused additional damage to remaining essential infrastructure. All 25 bakeries supported by the World Food Programme (WFP) closed at the beginning of April due to a lack of supplies, and food stocks for most of the 177 hot meal kitchens are reportedly exhausted. All preventive nutrition supplies have run out in UNICEF and WFP warehouses. Food prices are soaring daily, with wheat flour ranging from USD 235 per 25 kg in Deir al-Balah to USD 520 in Gaza and Khan Younis - a 3,000 percent increase since February 2025. The latest data shows many households resorting to extreme coping strategies. A third reported collecting garbage to sell for food, while a quarter indicated that no valuable garbage remains. Observations reveal that social order is breaking down.

Key Data:

• About 2.1 million people across the Gaza Strip will likely experience high levels of acute food insecurity, classified in IPC Phase 3 or above (Crisis or worse) between May and September 2025, including nearly 469,500 people who will likely experience catastrophic food insecurity (IPC Phase 5).
• Nearly 71,000 annual cases of acute malnutrition among children aged 6 to 59 months, including 14,100 severe cases, are expected to occur between April 2025 and March 2026. Nearly 17,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women will need treatment for acute malnutrition.
• About 1.94 million people across the Gaza Strip are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity classified in IPC Phase 3 or above (Crisis or worse) between April 1 and May 10, 2025, including nearly 244,000 people facing catastrophic food insecurity (IPC Phase 5).

Spokespersons are available for interviews upon media request.