NextFin news, On August 22, 2025, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a United Nations-supported global initiative, officially declared famine in Gaza City, Palestine, for the first time since the outbreak of conflict nearly 22 months ago.
The declaration covers Gaza City and surrounding areas, home to approximately half a million people, who are now experiencing catastrophic levels of hunger, acute malnutrition, and rising mortality rates linked to starvation, according to the IPC's criteria.
The IPC's famine classification, known as Phase 5, requires that at least 20% of households face extreme food shortages, 30% or more of children suffer from acute malnutrition, and mortality rates exceed a defined threshold. Gaza has met all three conditions, despite challenges in data collection due to the ongoing conflict and blockade.
As of August 21, 2025, Gaza's Health Ministry reported at least 271 deaths from starvation, including 112 children, with thousands more feared trapped or dying in inaccessible areas. Aid agencies warn that the famine is spreading beyond Gaza City into central and southern governorates, threatening the entire Gaza Strip with systemic collapse.
The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by Israel's blockade and military operations, which have severely restricted humanitarian aid deliveries and targeted civilians seeking food assistance. Since late May 2025, over 1,760 Palestinians have been killed while attempting to access aid, including vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
Medical facilities in Gaza are overwhelmed, operating at over 200% capacity, with a sharp rise in deaths due to shortages of medicine and treatment. The World Health Organization and Gaza's Ministry of Health confirm that 28 children die daily from malnutrition and untreated illnesses. Patients with chronic diseases are also dying in large numbers due to the healthcare system's collapse.
The IPC declaration is expected to increase international pressure on Israel to ease restrictions and allow humanitarian access. However, Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have denied the existence of famine and continue military operations aimed at controlling Gaza City, a key stronghold of Hamas.
Humanitarian experts and organizations emphasize the urgent need for coordinated aid delivery systems to address the escalating famine and prevent further loss of life in Gaza.
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