Famine has been officially declared in Gaza, a region ravaged by nearly two years of conflict. The United Nations-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) announced the grim news today, labelling it a “deep stain on our collective humanity.” The declaration comes as reports indicate that hundreds of children have already died from malnutrition-related causes.

The IPC's declaration marks only the fifth time famine has been officially recognised, following similar declarations in Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan in recent years. According to the IPC, as of 15 August 2025, over half a million people in Gaza are facing catastrophic conditions characterised by starvation and destitution. An additional 1.07 million people, or 54 percent of the population, are classified as being in Emergency conditions, while 396,000 people are in Crisis.

The situation is expected to worsen in the coming weeks, with projections indicating that nearly a third of the population, approximately 641,000 people, will face catastrophic conditions. The IPC defines famine as a situation where at least one in five households experiences extreme food shortages, leading to critical levels of acute malnutrition and death.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied that starvation is occurring in Gaza, asserting that Israel's policy has been to prevent a humanitarian crisis. However, Taahra Ghazi, co-CEO of ActionAid UK, condemned the situation, stating, “That famine should be officially confirmed in Gaza for the first time by the IPC despite months of repeated warnings, and despite it being entirely preventable, is a deep stain on our collective humanity.” Ghazi accused the Israeli authorities of deliberately blocking food, water, and humanitarian aid, which she claims breaches international humanitarian law.

As the humanitarian crisis deepens, Israel's Defence Minister has warned that Gaza City could face destruction unless Hamas agrees to Israel's terms. Israel Katz stated that the city could be reduced to rubble, similar to other areas devastated earlier in the conflict. He reiterated Israel's demands for a ceasefire, which include the release of all hostages and the disarmament of Hamas.

Hamas has indicated a willingness to release captives in exchange for an end to the war but has rejected disarmament without the establishment of a Palestinian state. Ghazi highlighted the dire circumstances in Gaza City, where residents are already experiencing famine amid intensified military assaults. She warned that a full ground offensive could forcibly displace hundreds of thousands and severely disrupt humanitarian operations at a critical time.