The humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating to catastrophic levels, with a global hunger monitoring body warning that conditions are rapidly approaching famine. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) said on Tuesday that it will soon conduct a formal assessment to determine if Gaza meets the criteria for an official famine declaration.

Mounting Hunger and Starvation

"Mounting evidence shows that widespread starvation, malnutrition, and disease are driving a rise in hunger-related deaths," the IPC stated. It estimates nearly half a million people are enduring famine-like conditions, and at least 147 have already died of hunger — most in recent weeks, including 88 children.

The IPC's criteria for famine include acute malnutrition in one-third of children, food shortages affecting 20% of the population, and two starvation-related deaths per 10,000 people per day — conditions already visible in parts of Gaza.

Despite Israel’s announcement of humanitarian pauses and aid corridors, only 50% of requested aid is entering Gaza, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). Gaza requires 62,000 metric tons of food monthly; only 19,900 tons entered in May and 37,800 in June, far below the needed threshold.

Ross Smith of the WFP added that essential bakeries and kitchens remain closed due to lack of fuel, water, and Israeli permissions.

Criticism of GHF and Political Gridlock

Aid experts sharply criticized the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), accusing it of distributing food that cannot be cooked due to lack of fuel or water. The IPC warned GHF’s approach could “lead to mass starvation.”

CARE Palestine’s country director, Jolien Veldwijk, called the crisis a “manmade famine, caused by Israel’s siege and the deliberate obstruction of aid.” Images of emaciated children have triggered global outrage and calls for accountability.

The IPC said immediate ceasefire and unimpeded large-scale humanitarian access are the only way to avert mass deaths. But Israel maintains its actions are necessary for self-defense and blames Hamas for hiding among civilians — a claim Hamas denies.

David Miliband of the International Rescue Committee warned that “famine declarations always lag reality,” noting that by the time Somalia was declared in famine in 2011, a quarter of a million people had already died.