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United Nations

Famine Strikes Gaza, 514,000 at Risk

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Famine has been determined in parts of the Gaza Strip, with 514,000 people, nearly a quarter of Palestinians in the enclave, experiencing extreme food shortages. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification system projected that this number will increase to 641,000 by the end of September. The Gaza governorate, which includes Gaza City, is currently in famine, while Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis governorates are expected to reach famine conditions by the end of next month. This assessment comes as Israel dismisses the report, citing "partial data" and accusing Hamas of stealing aid.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification system classified 514,000 people in Gaza as experiencing famine, with this number expected to rise to 641,000 by the end of September.
  • The Gaza governorate, including Gaza City, is currently in famine, while Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis governorates are expected to reach famine conditions by the end of next month.
  • Israel controls access to Gaza, which has been a major obstacle to getting aid into the territory and distributing it throughout the war zone.
  • The IPC report stated that a region is in famine when at least 20% of the population is suffering extreme food shortages, with one in three children acutely malnourished and two people out of every 10,000 dying daily from starvation or malnutrition and disease.
  • Famine has been determined in areas of Somalia in 2011, South Sudan in 2017 and 2020, and Sudan in 2024, according to the IPC.
  • The U.N. has long complained of obstacles to getting aid into Gaza and distributing it throughout the war zone, blaming impediments on Israel and lawlessness.

Statistics:

  • 514,000 people in Gaza are currently experiencing famine.
  • 641,000 people in Gaza are expected to be in famine conditions by the end of September.
  • 280,000 people in the Gaza governorate are currently in famine.
  • 1 in 3 children in Gaza is acutely malnourished.
  • 2 people out of every 10,000 die daily from starvation or malnutrition and disease in Gaza.
  • 65% of Americans believe the U.S. should help those starving in Gaza, according to a recent poll.

Sources:

  • Integrated Food Security Phase Classification system
  • Reuters/Ipsos poll
  • U.N. report
  • COGAT statement
  • Cyprus Mail article (2022)

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