By Comfort Asemota
Following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in October, Gaza has been removed from famine status thanks to a substantial increase in humanitarian aid, the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) announced.
The IPC credited improved food access, both through humanitarian and commercial channels, along with a reduction in active conflict and progress toward a proposed peace plan, for the improved food security conditions across the Gaza Strip. “Food security conditions have improved in Gaza, and no areas are now classified as facing famine,” the agency said.
Just a few months ago, the IPC had warned that certain areas in Gaza were experiencing a “man-made” famine due to restricted aid and ongoing violence. While the situation has improved, the agency emphasized that the region remains vulnerable, with most residents still facing acute food insecurity.
“Even with increased humanitarian support, including food aid, only essential survival needs are being met,” the IPC added, cautioning that any disruption in aid or renewed hostilities could push Gaza back toward famine, particularly in North Gaza, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Gaza Governorate.
Israel has consistently disputed earlier famine reports, claiming that adequate aid has been allowed into Gaza. Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, welcomed the latest IPC assessment, saying it confirms Israel’s stance that famine conditions do not exist. According to Israel’s aid coordination agency, COGAT, 600 to 800 aid trucks now enter Gaza daily, with about 70% carrying food. Hamas, however, disputes these figures, insisting that the aid reaching civilians is still insufficient.
Prior to the ceasefire, media reports and humanitarian organizations documented severe hunger, restricted aid access, and tragic incidents where civilians were killed while trying to obtain food. The IPC uses a five-phase scale to assess food insecurity, and famine classification requires extreme conditions, including widespread malnutrition and starvation-related deaths.
Although the removal of famine status marks a positive development, humanitarian experts warn that continued aid deliveries and political stability are crucial to ensure that food security improvements are sustained in Gaza.
