Global Hunger Monitor Declares Famine in Gaza as Crisis Intensifies

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the world’s leading authority on food crises, has declared that famine has struck Gaza City and is likely to spread across the Gaza Strip over the next month. The announcement escalates international pressure on Israel to allow unobstructed humanitarian aid into the Palestinian enclave, which has been under siege for nearly two years.

According to the IPC, approximately 514,000 people—nearly a quarter of Gaza’s population—are currently experiencing famine conditions, with that number projected to rise to 641,000 by the end of September 2025.

Gaza City: The First Area Classified in Famine

Of the people affected, 280,000 live in northern Gaza, covering Gaza City, which the IPC has officially determined is experiencing famine for the first time. Central and southern areas, including Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis, are projected to reach famine status by the end of next month if aid access remains restricted.

The IPC defines famine based on strict criteria:

At least 20% of people must suffer extreme food shortages.
One in three children must be acutely malnourished.
At least two deaths per 10,000 people occur daily due to starvation or disease.

Even in areas not yet meeting these thresholds, households can still experience famine conditions, including starvation, destitution, and death.

Global Concern and International Responses

The IPC’s famine assessment follows warnings from countries including Britain, Canada, Australia, and European states, which have described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as reaching “unimaginable levels.” U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has repeatedly called the situation an “epic humanitarian catastrophe” for the more than two million residents of the Gaza Strip.

Even U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged the crisis last month, stating that many residents were starving—a view that sparked debate among U.S. lawmakers, some of whom support Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s insistence that there is no famine.

Israeli Control and Blockade of Aid

Israel maintains strict control over access to Gaza. The Israeli military agency coordinating aid, COGAT, disputed the IPC’s famine declaration, accusing Hamas of promoting a “false starvation campaign” and claiming that U.N. reports exaggerate the humanitarian situation.

The U.N. and humanitarian organizations have long reported that aid distribution is severely hampered, citing both logistical challenges and alleged interference by Israel. Israel has also accused Hamas of diverting aid, a claim the militants deny.

Data Limitations and Areas Excluded

The IPC analysis covered Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Khan Younis governorates, but could not assess North Gaza due to restricted access and a lack of data. The largely uninhabited southern Rafah region was also excluded from the assessment.

This is the fifth famine declaration made by the IPC in the past 14 years, which has previously assessed famine conditions in Somalia (2011), South Sudan (2017 and 2020), and Sudan (2024). The IPC provides analysis for governments and organizations to act upon but does not itself declare famine.

Humanitarian and Political Implications

A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 65% of Americans believe the U.S. should provide aid to those starving in Gaza, highlighting potential shifts in public opinion that could influence U.S. foreign policy.

The famine declaration comes amid ongoing conflict triggered on 7 October 2023, when Hamas killed 1,200 people in southern Israel and took roughly 250 hostages. Israel’s military response has resulted in more than 62,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health authorities.

Efforts by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to broker a ceasefire continue, but without unhindered humanitarian access, the famine is expected to worsen, leaving thousands more vulnerable to starvation, malnutrition, and disease.

Key Takeaways

Famine has been officially confirmed in Gaza City, affecting 280,000 people.
Nearly a quarter of Gaza’s population, over 500,000 residents, are currently facing severe food insecurity.
Central and southern Gaza regions, including Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis, are projected to reach famine levels by September 2025.
Israeli control of aid access and logistical challenges are major obstacles to relief.
International attention is mounting as the humanitarian crisis threatens widespread starvation and malnutrition.

For ongoing updates and detailed reports, follow U.N. and IPC releases on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza 2025.