A chilling warning has been issued by a UN-backed assessment committee, signaling an impending famine in the northern Gaza Strip. The Famine Review Committee, in its latest report, paints a grim picture of the deteriorating humanitarian situation, exacerbated by the ongoing Israeli military operation and a near complete stoppage of food aid. The report states that the conditions in the northern Gaza Strip are rapidly deteriorating, leading to a “substantial likelihood of famine occurring.” The committee warns that “famine thresholds may have already been crossed or else will be in the near future.”
The severity of the crisis was highlighted by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report released on October 17th, which projected that 345,000 people, representing 16% of the Gaza population, would face “catastrophic” food insecurity between November 2024 and April 2025. This situation was classified as IPC Phase 5, indicating a severe crisis where “starvation, death, destitution and extremely critical acute malnutrition levels are evident.”
Since the release of that report, the situation has worsened considerably, particularly in the northern Gaza Strip. The report highlights a collapse of food systems, coupled with a drastic reduction in humanitarian aid and a critical decline in water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions. These factors, the committee states, are leading to a “rapid increase in starvation, malnutrition, and excess mortality due to malnutrition and disease.”
The devastation in the Gaza Strip is a direct consequence of Israel’s retaliatory assault, launched in response to the Hamas attacks on October 7th. Israeli forces have intensified their operations in the northern region, issuing evacuation orders and imposing severe restrictions on movement and access. The report reveals that aid shipments into the Gaza Strip are at their lowest level since October 2023, further constricting the already limited resources available to the population.
The accessibility of food is dwindling rapidly, driving a surge in prices on the black market. The report reveals a staggering rise in essential prices, with cooking gas soaring by 2,612%, diesel by 1,315%, and wood by 250%. These exorbitant price increases have crippled livelihoods, leaving residents unable to afford even basic necessities like food.
Adding to the growing crisis, Israel’s recent decision to sever ties with the UN agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) in November has raised serious concerns about the future of humanitarian operations in Gaza. The committee expresses grave concern over this development, warning of “extremely serious consequences” for the already struggling humanitarian efforts.
The alarming situation in Gaza demands immediate and decisive action from the international community. The looming famine underscores the urgent need for increased humanitarian aid, a cessation of hostilities, and a pathway to a lasting solution that addresses the underlying causes of the crisis. The failure to act will have devastating consequences for the people of Gaza, already facing a dire and precarious future.
