A UN-supported global hunger monitoring organization has declared that Gaza is no longer experiencing famine, thanks to a substantial rise in humanitarian and commercial aid deliveries following the October ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) stated that enhanced access to food supplies, combined with diminished hostilities and advances toward a potential peace agreement, has resulted in improved food security throughout the Gaza Strip.
“Food security conditions have improved in the Gaza Strip due to a major decrease in fighting, a proposed peace initiative, and better access for humanitarian and commercial food shipments,” the IPC noted, emphasizing that “no areas are classified in famine.”
This marks a reversal from August, when the IPC had identified famine conditions in certain areas, describing it as “man-made” due to tight aid restrictions and ongoing conflict.
However, the IPC stressed that the improvements are precarious, with the majority of Gaza's residents still enduring severe acute food insecurity.
“While food aid and other humanitarian support have risen, these are only addressing minimal survival requirements,” the group explained
It further cautioned that renewed conflict or disruptions to aid and commercial flows could quickly plunge Gaza back into famine.
“In the event of escalated fighting and interrupted humanitarian and commercial supplies, regions including North Gaza, Gaza Governorate, Deir al-Balah, and Khan Younis could face famine risk until mid-April 2026,” according to the IPC.
Israel has long rejected prior famine allegations, maintaining that it has facilitated adequate aid entry. Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon welcomed the new report, stating it validates Israel's stance that no famine exists in Gaza.
Israel's aid coordination body, COGAT, reported that 600 to 800 trucks now enter Gaza daily, with around 70% loaded with food. Hamas has contested these numbers, arguing that aid reaching civilians falls short.
Prior to the ceasefire, reports from international media and aid organizations highlighted extreme hunger and shortages, including deaths from starvation and violence at aid sites.
The IPC employs a five-stage system for food insecurity. Famine (Phase 5) is declared when at least 20% of households suffer extreme food deficits, 30% of children show acute malnutrition, and daily starvation-related deaths reach at least two per 10,000 people.
Though conditions have progressed, aid agencies emphasize the need for ongoing access and lasting peace to avoid a relapse into severe crisis.
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