Gaza is facing a “critical risk of famine”, food security experts have warned, as the Israeli blockade enters its tenth week. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a UN-backed consortium, reported a “major deterioration” since its last assessment in October 2024, with half a million people—one in five—facing starvation.
The IPC said goods essential for survival are depleted or expected to run out in weeks. The entire population of Gaza is experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity. The blockade, imposed in early March after the first phase of a ceasefire ended, has cut off all supplies, including food, medicine, shelter and fuel.
Aid workers report that prices for essentials have risen sharply, warehouses are empty, and humanitarian teams are dividing rations meant for one patient between two to give both a chance of survival. Unicef spokesperson Jonathan Crickx said more than 11,000 children have been treated since the beginning of the year, and warned of rising child deaths in the coming weeks.
The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization separately warned of an “imminent risk of famine”, stating that agriculture is “on the brink of total collapse” and calling for an immediate lifting of the blockade. Law and order has deteriorated as desperate Palestinians and organised gangs exploit the chaos.
Israel says the blockade aims to pressure Hamas to release the remaining 59 hostages held since the 7 October 2023 attack, which killed over 1,200 people. More than 52,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ensuing offensive. Israel accuses Hamas of diverting aid for military purposes, which Hamas denies.
Dr Ahmed al-Farah at Nasser medical complex in Khan Younis reported five to ten new severe malnutrition cases daily among children, with nothing to offer them but limited powdered milk. The IPC, which has rarely declared famine, found 244,000 people in the most critical food security situation between 1 April and 10 May.
