A new report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has revealed that 96% of the population in Gaza faces extreme levels of hunger, with nearly half a million people in catastrophic conditions. The report highlights the critical importance of sustained access to all areas of Gaza, where over 37,600 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since October last year.
The IPC report, which assesses food security from May 1 to June 15, shows that 2.13 million people across Gaza face high levels of acute food insecurity, including 343,000 people who are in catastrophic conditions. The report also warns that the high risk of famine persists across the entire Gaza Strip as long as the conflict continues and humanitarian access is restricted.
The World Food Program has responded to the report, emphasizing the urgent need for sustained access to all areas of Gaza. The organization has called for an immediate cease-fire and an end to the blockade of food, clean water, and medicine.
The IPC report notes that renewed hostilities and repeated displacement have eroded people’s ability to access humanitarian assistance, increasing the overall fragility of communities. The continued Israeli offensive on Gaza has led to widespread destruction and devastation, leaving vast tracts of land in ruins.
The international community has condemned Israel’s actions, calling for an immediate cease-fire and an end to the violence. However, Israel has continued its military operation, flouting a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate halt to hostilities.