Photo Credit: Reuters

Gaza City and surrounding areas are now officially in famine, according to an assessment released Friday by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). The global hunger monitor warned that famine conditions are likely to spread further in the enclave by the end of September.

The IPC estimated that 514,000 Palestinians—nearly a quarter of Gaza’s population—are suffering from famine, a figure expected to rise to 641,000 within weeks. About 280,000 of those affected are in Gaza governorate, which includes Gaza City. This marks the first time the IPC has declared famine outside Africa.

The report comes nearly two years into Israel’s war against Hamas. Gaza’s health ministry says more than 62,000 people have been killed in the conflict, which began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people and saw 250 others taken hostage.

The UN described the famine as a direct consequence of Israel’s blockade and military campaign. Secretary-General António Guterres called it “a man-made disaster, a moral indictment, and a failure of humanity itself,” urging an immediate ceasefire, release of hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian access.

Israel dismissed the IPC findings as biased and based on incomplete data. The foreign ministry insisted “there is no famine in Gaza,” arguing that recent aid deliveries were ignored. COGAT, the Israeli military body overseeing aid, accused the IPC of serving “Hamas’ propaganda campaign.”

Human rights chief Volker Türk said the famine was the direct result of Israeli actions, warning that starvation-related deaths could amount to war crimes. Aid agencies echoed concerns, with the Red Cross and several Western governments describing the humanitarian situation as “unimaginable.”

The IPC analysis focused on Gaza, Deir al-Balah, and Khan Younis governorates. It could not fully assess northern Gaza due to access restrictions, and excluded Rafah, now largely depopulated.

Israel’s stance puts it increasingly at odds with global opinion, including from its closest ally. U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged last month that “many people are starving,” while a Reuters/Ipsos poll found 65% of Americans support aid to Gaza.

The United States, Egypt, and Qatar are continuing efforts to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal, but talks remain deadlocked.