UN experts have officially confirmed that Gaza is experiencing famine, with catastrophic levels of hunger, acute malnutrition, and starvation-related deaths now widespread. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warns that without immediate and protected humanitarian access, the situation is expected to deteriorate further.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the crisis as a “man‑made disaster” and a “moral indictment,” highlighting that the famine stems not from natural causes but from the deliberate collapse of essential systems. He emphasised that Israel, as the occupying power, has legal obligations to ensure the delivery of food and medical aid to civilians.

UN Humanitarian Chief Tom Fletcher condemned the use of starvation as a weapon of war, stating that Israeli leaders have openly promoted it as a tactic, and called for the immediate lifting of restrictions on aid delivery. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, echoed the urgency, warning that months of international warnings have gone unheeded and that immediate action is required to prevent further mass deaths.

According to IPC data, over 20% of households in northern Gaza face extreme food shortages, more than 30% of children suffer from acute malnutrition, and starvation-related deaths are occurring at rates exceeding internationally recognised famine thresholds. Humanitarian agencies continue to demand a ceasefire, unrestricted access for aid, and protection of civilians and critical infrastructure, cautioning that the death toll from starvation may soon surpass casualties caused directly by the military offensive.