A United Nations-backed global hunger monitoring body has announced a significant improvement in the food security situation in Gaza, stating the territory is no longer classified as being in famine.
Improved Conditions After Ceasefire
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) attributed this change to a major increase in humanitarian aid deliveries following a ceasefire agreed between Israel and Hamas in October. The report highlighted that improved access for both humanitarian and commercial food supplies, alongside reduced fighting and progress on a proposed peace plan, have led to better conditions across the Gaza Strip.
"Following a significant reduction in conflict, a proposed peace plan, and improved access for both humanitarian and commercial food deliveries, food security conditions have improved in the Gaza Strip," the IPC stated. It added the crucial update that "no areas are classified in famine."
This marks a stark reversal from the body's warning in August, when it said parts of Gaza were experiencing a "man-made" famine due to severe aid restrictions and prolonged fighting.
Fragile Progress and Lingering Risks
Despite the improved classification, the IPC issued a strong caution. It said the situation remains extremely fragile, with most of Gaza's population still facing high levels of acute food insecurity. "Although humanitarian assistance, including food aid, has increased, only basic survival needs are being met," the organization explained.
The watchdog presented a dire warning for the future, stating that Gaza could easily slip back into famine if conditions deteriorate. It outlined a worst-case scenario where renewed hostilities and a halt to aid and commercial inflows would put North Gaza, Gaza Governorate, Deir al-Balah, and Khan Younis at risk of famine through mid-April 2026.
Contested Figures and Ongoing Challenges
Reacting to the IPC's latest assessment, Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, said the report confirmed Israel's longstanding position that there is no famine in Gaza. Israel's aid coordination agency, COGAT, stated that between 600 and 800 aid trucks now enter Gaza daily, with approximately 70% carrying food supplies.
However, Hamas has previously challenged these figures, insisting the volume of aid reaching civilians remains inadequate. International media and humanitarian groups have extensively documented widespread hunger and severe shortages in Gaza, particularly before the October ceasefire when aid access was heavily restricted or halted. During that period, reports emerged of civilians dying from hunger and others being killed while trying to obtain food at distribution points.
The IPC uses a strict five-phase scale to assess food insecurity. A famine classification requires meeting three tragic thresholds: evidence that at least 20% of households face extreme food shortages, at least 30% of children are acutely malnourished, and at least two people per 10,000 die daily from starvation or related causes.
While the latest report signals a critical, temporary improvement, humanitarian agencies continue to stress that sustained aid access and long-term stability are absolutely essential to prevent a rapid return to catastrophic conditions for Gaza's population.
