Famine Confirmed in Gaza: What Does It Mean?

UN food security experts have confirmed that Gaza and surrounding areas are suffering from famine. The finding comes from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (I.P.C.).

Israel has restricted the entry of food and aid into the area, especially after the start of the war. The crisis escalated when Israel cut off food supplies, claiming that Hamas was stealing the aid.

The I.P.C. reports that at least half a million people in the Gaza Administrative Region are facing famine, acute malnutrition, and death. The remaining population of two million is also facing severe hunger.

For a famine to be declared, three conditions must be met: one in five households facing extreme food shortages, a specific percentage of children being severely malnourished, and at least two adults or four children per 10,000 dying daily.

General Ghassan Alian, head of the Israeli agency, rejected the I.P.C.'s findings, claiming they are based on unreliable sources.