Published on: August 22, 2025 at 17:24
The UN has officially declared a famine in Gaza City, marking the first such declaration in the Middle East. This unprecedented humanitarian crisis threatens over half a million lives.
Gaza City Declared the First Famine in the Middle East
In an unprecedented move, the United Nations has officially declared a famine in Gaza City, marking the first such declaration in the Middle East. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirmed that Gaza has met all three criteria for famine:
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Extreme food scarcity: Over 500,000 people are facing catastrophic hunger.
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Widespread acute child malnutrition: Approximately 30% of children are severely malnourished.
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High daily mortality rate: Starvation-related deaths are rising, with 133 reported in the first 20 days of August alone.
UN aid chief Tom Fletcher described the situation as a “man-made disaster” and a “failure of humanity,” emphasizing that the famine is entirely preventable.
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Humanitarian Aid Blocked Amid Ongoing Conflict
The famine has been exacerbated by severe restrictions on humanitarian aid. The Israeli government has been accused of systematically obstructing aid shipments, including food and medical supplies. These actions have led to a breakdown in the distribution of essential services, further deepening the crisis.
Despite these challenges, international organizations continue to call for immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access to prevent further loss of life.
Global Response and Urgent Calls for Action
The international community has expressed deep concern over the situation in Gaza. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian access. He described the famine as a “war crime that should haunt us all.”
Humanitarian organizations are mobilizing to provide assistance, but the ongoing conflict and access restrictions continue to pose significant challenges. The situation remains dire, with the potential for the famine to spread to other areas if immediate action is not taken.
The declaration of famine in Gaza City marks a historic and devastating moment in the Middle East. With over half a million people facing severe hunger and children suffering from acute malnutrition, the crisis is both urgent and preventable. Immediate international action, unrestricted humanitarian aid, and a ceasefire are critical to saving lives and preventing the famine from spreading further. The world must act now to address this man-made disaster and uphold humanity.