On 29 July 2025 — The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has issued a grave Food Insecurity and Malnutrition Alert for the Gaza Strip, declaring that the worst-case scenario of famine is now unfolding. This urgent warning comes amid intensifying conflict, massive displacement, restricted humanitarian access, and a total breakdown of essential services, including healthcare. 

According to the IPC’s latest assessment, famine thresholds have been surpassed in much of the Gaza Strip. Acute malnutrition rates have reached crisis levels. Widespread starvation, disease, and the collapse of food consumption systems are driving a sharp increase in hunger-related deaths. This signals that the humanitarian emergency has reached a deadly and catastrophic turning point. 

IPC’s Five Urgent Recommendations 

The IPC has outlined five critical actions to address the unfolding crisis: 

• End hostilities to stop further civilian suffering and destruction of food systems. 

• Ensure unrestricted humanitarian access to deliver life-saving food, nutrition, and medical aid. 

• Protect civilians, aid workers, and critical infrastructure, including hospitals and food warehouses. 

• Restore multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance, including shelter, clean water, and sanitation, with dignity and safety. 

• Re-establish the flow of commercial goods and local food production, crucial for long-term recovery. 

This announcement is one of the most serious classifications the IPC can issue and reflects a rapidly deteriorating situation in Gaza. The declaration comes just two days after the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that malnutrition-related deaths had surged, with children under five among the hardest hit. 

About the IPC 

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification is a global, evidence-based initiative supported by UN agencies, governments, and humanitarian organizations. It uses standardized scientific methods to assess food insecurity and malnutrition severity to inform emergency and policy responses. The IPC’s famine classification is based on internationally agreed-upon thresholds involving food consumption, acute malnutrition, and mortality data.