Food security experts warn Gaza is at critical risk of famine if Israel doesnt end its campaign - AP News

Published: Monday, May 12, 2025 at 10:14 am

**Gaza on Brink of Famine: Experts Warn of Catastrophic Hunger**

Food security experts are issuing a dire warning: the Gaza Strip is on the precipice of famine. A new report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a leading authority on hunger crises, paints a grim picture. The report indicates that nearly half a million Palestinians are experiencing "catastrophic levels of hunger," facing potential starvation, while another million are at emergency levels.

The primary driver of this crisis is Israel's ongoing military campaign and blockade, which has severely restricted the flow of essential aid into Gaza for the past ten weeks. This has resulted in a near-total collapse of food production within the territory, leaving the population of 2.3 million reliant on dwindling external aid. Communal kitchens, the last remaining source of food for many, are shutting down due to lack of supplies.

The report highlights that the first threshold for famine has been met, with 22% of the population experiencing catastrophic hunger. While the other two criteria (malnutrition and starvation-related deaths) haven't been met yet, experts warn that it takes time for starvation to manifest in deaths. The U.N. and aid organizations are sounding the alarm, with the head of the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization emphasizing that any delay in aid restoration brings Gaza closer to famine.

Israel maintains the blockade is necessary to pressure Hamas to release hostages and to prevent aid from being diverted. They are demanding a new aid distribution system, which the U.N. and other humanitarian organizations are resisting, citing concerns about politicization and insufficient humanitarian standards. The U.S. is working on a new mechanism, but no timeframe has been given.

BNN's Perspective: The situation in Gaza is undeniably critical, and the potential for widespread famine is deeply concerning. While Israel has legitimate security concerns, the humanitarian consequences of the blockade and military operations are devastating. A balance must be struck between ensuring Israel's security and allowing sufficient aid to reach the civilian population. International cooperation and a commitment to humanitarian principles are essential to avert a catastrophic outcome.

Keywords: Gaza famine, Israel blockade, food security, hunger crisis, Palestinian starvation, aid restrictions, Hamas, military campaign, humanitarian crisis, IPC report, malnutrition, starvation, aid distribution, United Nations, Benjamin Netanyahu, catastrophic hunger, emergency levels, Gaza Strip, famine warning, humanitarian aid, conflict.

Full Coverage