A famine is set to be officially declared in Gaza by the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the global authority on monitoring hunger and malnutrition.
The IPC’s latest report will confirm that the threshold for famine has been met in Gaza City, as well as in parts of southern and central areas of the territory. Conditions in the north are believed to be even worse, but a lack of reliable data has prevented famine being formally declared there.
If confirmed, it will be the first official recognition of famine in Gaza and only the fifth famine declared globally since the IPC system was established in 2004. The most recent famine declaration was in Sudan in 2024.
To meet the IPC’s criteria, at least 20 per cent of households must face extreme food shortages, at least 30 per cent of children must be suffering acute malnutrition, and two people out of every 10,000 must be dying daily from starvation. Aid officials say these thresholds have now been reached in Gaza City, which is home to around 500,000 people.
Humanitarian agencies warn the situation is catastrophic across the enclave. Northern Gaza has been devastated by Israeli bombardment, leaving vast areas in ruins, and aid deliveries have been severely restricted. Officials believe the hunger crisis there may be worse than in the south and centre, though limited access has prevented comprehensive data collection.
Israel has consistently denied that famine exists in Gaza, despite repeated warnings from aid organisations. The Israeli government is currently engaged in new military operations in Gaza City following the collapse of ceasefire negotiations with Hamas.
The IPC has previously warned that famine in parts of Gaza was “imminent” but had delayed making a formal declaration due to data limitations. The announcement expected today marks a significant escalation in the international recognition of the humanitarian emergency in the territory.
