Famine Spread in Gaza Is an Imminent, Devastating Reality That Should Shame the World
The number of people facing catastrophic levels of hunger is expected to double as the entire Strip faces emergency levels of hunger amid ongoing hostilities and aid restrictions
Today’s IPC acute food security analysis for Gaza reveals that the risk of famine has not been contained and the number of people on the brink of starvation is expected to double in the coming months, to 345,000. Approximately 1.84 million people, over 90% of the population, are experiencing crisis levels of food insecurity and tens of thousands of children are projected to be severely malnourished in the months ahead.
Destruction of critical infrastructure, including 60% of buildings and 68% of roads, has decimated Gaza's food, water, and healthcare systems. The flow of aid – which has been woefully inadequate throughout the conflict – is at an all-time low since the conflict started in October 2023, with very limited amounts reaching the northern governorates, Khan Younis, and Deir al-Balah in particular. Since October 2, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, no food aid has entered northern Gaza.
Tjada D’Oyen McKenna, Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Corps, says:
“Today's IPC findings come as no surprise given the unrelenting bombardment, continued decimation of what little infrastructure remains, and the insufficient humanitarian aid flowing into Gaza. Whether officially declared or not, famine is an imminent, devastating reality that should shame the world. The disturbing worst-case scenario for an entire population is all but certain without an immediate ceasefire, healthcare support for those already extremely malnourished, and the dramatic scale-up of aid.
“Acute malnutrition has surged to 10 times its pre-conflict levels. Essential services have nearly collapsed, severely limiting access to healthcare, clean water, and nutrition support. Winter also now looms, which will worsen chances of survival. Our colleagues report surviving on just one meal a day with access only to canned goods that come at an exorbitant cost. Many families are losing hope, spending most days with no water or food, enduring relentless bombardments, grieving for those who have died, and wondering when they will be next.
"Unrelenting hostilities and mass forced displacement orders have severely disrupted humanitarian organizations trying to deliver much-needed aid. We had food and hygiene supplies that could support over 31,300 people ready at the Erez crossing in northern Gaza in late September, but the latest offensive on northern Gaza eliminated any viable entry point. We rerouted the supplies to Kerem Shalom, yet this life-saving aid remains stuck at the crossing. This has sadly become the norm. Food and medical supplies are routinely expiring at the borders amid delays and denials by the Israeli government while millions of men, women and children face a never-ending cycle of displacement, hunger, loss, and devastation in a nightmare from which they cannot wake.
“Our teams are doing everything possible, but we are stymied at every turn. The siege tactics and ongoing violence are not just hindering the delivery of aid – they are creating the conditions for famine. The IPC report makes it clear: one year into this conflict, nothing is going in the right direction. We are running out of words to describe the unbearable suffering. The international community must urgently demand a ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, protection of critical infrastructure, and the rapid deployment of life-saving aid to those who cannot survive much longer.”
Since October 2023, Mercy Corps has provided support to over 190,000 people in Gaza, including emergency cash, food and hygiene kits, and psychosocial support for young people and their caregivers through wellbeing sessions, mentoring workshops, and youth sports activities. Despite the challenges, we remain committed to persevering in our efforts to provide life-saving assistance now and to help rebuild lives and communities when a ceasefire is reached.
For more information, please contact:
- Milena Murr, Middle East Media & Communications Manager (based in Beirut), at mmurr@mercycorps.org
- Natalie Fath, Director of Communications (based on the East Coast, U.S.), at nfath@mercycorps.org