The entire population of Gaza is at critical risk of famine, with nearly half a million people facing starvation, according to a new report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a UN-backed monitor on hunger crises. The report, released Monday, presents a stark assessment of the humanitarian emergency unfolding after 19 months of conflict and more than 60 days of complete blockade.
“Only an immediate and sustained cessation of hostilities and the resumption of humanitarian aid delivery can prevent a descent into Famine,” wrote the IPC in their analysis.
According to the IPC, “Goods indispensable for people’s survival are either depleted or expected to run out in the coming weeks,” and the entire Gaza Strip is now classified as being in Emergency condition. “Acute malnutrition in North Gaza, Gaza and Rafah governorates will likely reach Critical levels,” the report warned.
The IPC said a brief ceasefire between mid-January and mid-March allowed temporary relief, but the aid blockade re-imposed in early March and the escalating violence since 18 March reversed any gains. Israel has blocked food, water and medicine from reaching the enclave for 71 days.
“All 25 bakeries supported by the World Food Programme closed in early April due to lack of supplies,” the IPC reported, adding that food stocks for most of the 177 hot meal kitchens are depleted and preventive nutrition supplies in UNICEF and WFP warehouses have run out. Food prices have soared, with wheat flour selling for up to $520 per 25 kilograms — a 3,000 percent increase since February.
“Many households are resorting to extreme coping strategies,” the report stated, with one-third reportedly collecting garbage to sell for food. A quarter of those surveyed indicated that even valuable garbage is no longer available.
Gaza’s children are also suffering a food crisis, with 93 percent at critical risk of famine, according to international charity Save the Children. The organization issued the warning following the report by the IPC.
“Without urgent action to end the siege and to allow food and medicine into Gaza, one million children are at risk of starvation, disease and ultimately death,” Save the Children said. The charity reported that families in northern Gaza have resorted to eating animal feed, expired flour, and flour mixed with sand in order to survive.
A plan announced by Israeli authorities on 5 May to deliver aid across Gaza is “highly insufficient,” according to the IPC. The report warned that the proposed aid distribution method would create “significant access barriers” for large portions of the population.
The IPC concluded that famine is now a “high risk” scenario between 11 May and 30 September. “The latest announcements suggest that this worst-case scenario is becoming more likely,” it said. The group has only declared famine a handful of times in its existence, including in Somalia and South Sudan.
“Immediate action is essential to prevent further deaths, starvation and acute malnutrition, and a descent into Famine,” the report stated.
