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UN-backed report shows partial relief in Gaza food crisis
Conditions in Gaza have improved since the October ceasefire, but 100,000 people still endured "catastrophic" food insecurity last month, according to a new assessment by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). While no areas are currently classified as famine, experts warn the situation remains precarious.
Sharp decline from famine-level warnings
In August, the IPC warned that half a million Gazans-roughly a quarter of the population-were living in famine conditions. The latest analysis, released this week, indicates that number has dropped significantly. However, 500,000 people still face emergency-level food insecurity, with 100,000 classified under IPC Phase 5, the most severe category.
The IPC projects further improvement in the coming months, estimating that only 1,900 people will remain in Phase 5 by April. Yet, the report emphasizes that the situation is "highly fragile" and could deteriorate rapidly if hostilities resume.
Israel disputes findings, cites increased aid deliveries
Israel's foreign ministry dismissed the IPC report as "deliberately distorted," arguing it fails to reflect conditions on the ground. Cogat, the Israeli military body overseeing Gaza's crossings, claimed that food aid deliveries now exceed the UN's stated needs, accusing the IPC of relying on flawed data and Hamas-influenced sources.
"The report relies on severe gaps in data collection and on sources that do not reflect the full scope of humanitarian assistance."
Cogat statement
The IPC countered that its analysis used publicly available data from both UN agencies and Cogat itself.
Malnutrition and displacement remain critical
Acute malnutrition has reached critical levels in Gaza City, with serious conditions reported in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis. The IPC attributes the crisis to restricted humanitarian access, the displacement of over 730,000 people, and the destruction of livelihoods-including 96% of Gaza's crop land being damaged or inaccessible.
UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, acknowledged the report's findings but stressed that living conditions remain "catastrophic," worsened by winter weather. The agency called for "sustained, expanded, and consistent humanitarian and commercial access" to prevent further deterioration.
Ceasefire progress and lingering risks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated earlier this month that the second phase of a US-brokered peace plan-including further troop withdrawals and Hamas disarmament-was nearing agreement, though key issues remain unresolved.
The IPC warned that renewed hostilities could plunge the entire Gaza Strip back into famine. Israel's total blockade on aid deliveries, imposed in March and partially lifted in May, was intended to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages but exacerbated the food crisis.
Cogat denied blocking winter supplies or medical aid, asserting that drinking water shortages were not due to Israeli restrictions. However, humanitarian agencies continue to push for unimpeded access to address the ongoing emergency.
