Gaza faces critical food crisis amid ongoing conflict

Monday 12 May 2025 - 15:38

By: Zahouani Ilham

Gaza faces critical food crisis amid ongoing conflict

The United Nations, in collaboration with NGOs, has issued a report warning that Gaza’s population of approximately 2.4 million faces an imminent food crisis or worse by September, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). Despite being nearly 19 months into the ongoing conflict, the situation remains dire, with the risk of famine still looming.

The IPC highlighted a significant decline in food security since its last report in October 2024. Essential goods for survival are either exhausted or on the verge of depletion, exacerbating the already precarious situation. Nearly half a million people, or one in five residents, are facing acute food insecurity, with starvation looming for many.

The IPC’s findings reveal that from April 1 to May 10, approximately 244,000 people in Gaza were classified as being in the most critical food security situation—level five, or “catastrophe/famine.” Another 925,000 individuals fall under the “emergency” category, classified at level four.

The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization has urged for the immediate lifting of the blockade, as the region faces severe shortages. Cindy McCain, executive director of the UN World Food Programme, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "Families in Gaza are starving while food is waiting at the border. The international community must act now to restore aid. Waiting for confirmation of famine will be too late for many."