One in five people in the Gaza Strip are facing starvation as the entire territory edges closer to famine, a new United Nations-backed report warns, after nearly three months of Israel’s blockade of critically needed humanitarian aid. The warning comes as the UN and several NGOs, as well as civilians in Gaza, say the situation has deteriorated since Israel launched its renewed assault on the enclave in March, as residents struggle to access food, medicine and clean water. The enclave’s entire population is experiencing “high levels of acute food security” and the territory is at “high risk” of famine, the most severe type of hunger crisis, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) said in its latest report Monday. “Goods indispensable for people’s survival are either depleted or expected to run out in the coming weeks,” the IPC said. Food is running out, and what little is left is being sold at exorbitant prices that few can afford, it said. Israel imposed a humanitarian blockade on Gaza on March 2, cutting off food, medical supplies, and other aid to the more than 2 million Palestinians who live in the territory. Israel says the blockade, along with the military’s expansion of its bombardment of Gaza, is intended to pressure Hamas to release hostages held in the enclave – but international organizations say it violates international law, with some accusing Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war. There is a “high risk” that famine will occur between now and the end of September, the IPC report warned, leaving most people in Gaza without access to food, water, shelter, and medicine. “Only an immediate and sustained cessation of hostilities and the resumption of humanitarian aid delivery can prevent a descent into famine,” the report said. Under the IPC system – a five-phase scale used to measure the severity of food insecurity – a famine can only be declared if data shows certain thresholds are met. Those conditions are: at least 20% of all households must face an extreme food shortage, 30% or more of children must be acutely malnourished, and at least 2 in every 10,000 people die every day because of outright starvation or the interaction of malnutrition and disease. The first threshold has already been met, according to the IPC. Nearly 469,500 people – around 22% of the population - will likely experience “catastrophic” food insecurity, the highest phase on the IPC scale, between May and September, the report said. David Mencer, a spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, said Monday that “famine has never happened” in Gaza, despite IPC warnings, and that if there is hunger in Gaza, it is caused by Hamas depriving civilians of humanitarian aid. Whilst largely pinning the blame on Hamas for rising hunger levels, US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on Friday acknowledged the rapidly deteriorating situation in Gaza, telling CNN: “If there wasn’t a humanitarian crisis, there wouldn’t be an effort to try to deal with it. So, the answer is, obviously yes, there is a humanitarian crisis.” Since March, Israel’s renewed assault has displaced more than 430,000 people, the report said, disrupting essential services and the distribution of critical supplies. All 25 bakeries run by the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) were forced to shutter at the beginning of April due to lack of supplies, and food is running out at most of the 177 hot meal kitchens, according to the IPC report. And food prices are soaring. Prices for flour have increased 3,000% since February and 55-pound sack of wheat flour can run anywhere between $235 and $520, the report said. Pregnant women and children among the most at risk Children and pregnant women are at particularly high risk. Nearly 71,000 cases of acute malnutrition among children under five are expected between April 2025 and March 2026, the report said. And nearly 17,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women will need treatment for acute malnutrition, it said. During the nineteen months since Israel launched its assault on Gaza in the wake of the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel, people have resorted to scavenging for food, eating grass and animal feed, and drinking polluted water. Starving mothers have been unable to produce enough milk to feed their babies and parents have scrambled to keep their children alive, parents and doctors told CNN. Imran Rajab, a mother living in Gaza city, told CNN earlier this month she was forced to bake bread using flour from a garbage dumpster to feed her six children. “My kids are vomiting after they eat it. It smells horrible,” Rajab said. “But what else can I do? What will I feed my children if not this?” Dr. Amjad Al-Muzaini, a gynecologist working in Gaza City, said women in Gaza are forced to choose between feeding their children or caring for their own health. Most often, they sacrifice their own well-being to ensure survival, he said. While doing cesarean surgeries, women were found to have severely deteriorated intestinal and uterine tissues, Al-Muzaini said, likely the effects of eating poor-quality and mainly canned foods. The WFP has said recently it is ready to surge enough aid into Gaza to feed the entire population for up to two months. UNRWA, the main UN agency supporting Palestinians, said it has nearly 3,000 trucks filled with aid waiting to cross into Gaza that is currently blocked by Israel. “Families in Gaza are starving while the food they need is sitting at the border,” the WFP’s Executive Director, Cindy McCain said on X. “But WFP hasn’t been able to get new aid in since 2 March.” “If we wait for famine to be officially confirmed, it will be TOO LATE,” she said. Israel launched its war in Gaza following Hamas’ October 2023 attack in which militants killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostage. Since then, Israel’s military campaign has killed almost 53,000 Palestinians. Since Israel resumed its bombardment in March, more than 2,500 Palestinians have been killed, according to figures provided by the Ministry of Health in Gaza.
One in five people in Gaza face starvation, report warns, as Israel’s months-long blockade continues
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"UN Report Indicates One in Five Gazans Face Starvation Amid Ongoing Blockade"
CNN
6.4
TruthLens AI Summary
A recent report backed by the United Nations has raised alarm over the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, where one in five people are now facing starvation. The report indicates that the ongoing blockade imposed by Israel since March has severely limited access to essential humanitarian aid, leading to a situation where the entire population is experiencing heightened levels of acute food insecurity. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has warned that the territory is at a 'high risk' of famine, a crisis characterized by extreme shortages of food, medicine, and clean water. The IPC's findings highlight that critical goods necessary for survival are either running out or expected to be depleted in the coming weeks. The report states that food prices have skyrocketed, with some items becoming unaffordable for the average resident. For instance, the price of flour has surged by 3,000% since February, leading to a grim reality where the population is struggling to meet their basic nutritional needs.
The humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by Israel's military operations aimed at pressuring Hamas, which have reportedly displaced over 430,000 people and disrupted essential services. The report underscores the plight of vulnerable groups, particularly children and pregnant women, who are at an increased risk of acute malnutrition. As families resort to extreme measures, such as scavenging for food and consuming contaminated water, the health of the population continues to deteriorate. According to health professionals, many mothers are unable to produce enough milk for their babies, leading to heartbreaking choices between feeding their children or taking care of their own health. Despite the dire situation, the World Food Programme has indicated its readiness to deliver aid, but efforts remain stalled due to the blockade. The report calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the resumption of humanitarian aid to avert an impending famine that could have catastrophic consequences for the people of Gaza.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The report highlights a dire humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, where one in five residents is facing starvation due to an ongoing blockade imposed by Israel. This situation has escalated over the past few months, exacerbated by military actions and restrictions on essential supplies. The content aims to draw attention to the severe implications of food insecurity and the urgent need for humanitarian aid.
Purpose of the Report
The article serves to raise awareness about the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza, emphasizing the dire risk of famine. By citing credible sources like the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) and the United Nations, the report aims to legitimize the claims about the humanitarian crisis and provoke a response from the international community. It seeks to hold Israel accountable for its blockade and highlight the impact of military actions on civilians.
Perception Creation
The news is likely intended to generate empathy and outrage among readers, particularly those concerned about human rights and humanitarian issues. By focusing on the plight of civilians, the report seeks to mobilize public opinion against the blockade and the military's actions. The language used is emotive, aiming to create a sense of urgency and moral obligation to assist those affected.
Information Omission
While the article provides substantial data on the current situation, it may downplay or omit broader geopolitical contexts, such as the reasons behind the blockade or the actions of Hamas. This selective presentation can shape public perception in a way that aligns with specific narratives regarding the conflict.
Manipulative Nature
The manipulation index of this article could be considered moderate to high. The language is designed to provoke emotional responses, and the framing of starvation as a weapon of war suggests a deliberate attempt to garner international support against Israel. By emphasizing the humanitarian crisis, it risks oversimplifying complex geopolitical issues.
Credibility of the Report
The information presented appears credible, as it is backed by assessments from reputable organizations like the IPC and the United Nations. However, the framing of the narrative and selective focus on certain aspects might lead to a biased interpretation of the situation.
Societal Implications
The report could potentially influence public opinion and policy decisions regarding humanitarian aid and international intervention in the Gaza crisis. It may lead to increased calls for action from governments and NGOs, prompting discussions around the legality and morality of the blockade.
Target Audience
The article likely appeals to human rights advocates, humanitarian organizations, and individuals concerned about global justice issues. It aims to resonate with those who prioritize humanitarian aid and the protection of civilian lives in conflict zones.
Market Impact
In terms of financial markets, the report could impact companies involved in humanitarian aid, food supply, and medical supplies. Increased awareness of the Gaza crisis may lead to a surge in donations to NGOs and humanitarian organizations, influencing stock movements of related entities.
Geopolitical Significance
From a geopolitical perspective, the article adds weight to ongoing discussions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and may influence international relations regarding foreign aid and military support. The current focus on humanitarian crises aligns with broader global issues of equity and justice.
Potential AI Involvement
There is a possibility that AI tools were used in the drafting or editing process of the report, particularly in structuring the data and presenting it in a coherent manner. However, the emotional tone and framing suggest human oversight, especially in choosing the narrative direction.
In summary, while the report is grounded in factual assessments, its framing and emphasis on certain aspects reveal a narrative that seeks to mobilize support for humanitarian intervention in Gaza. The situation is undeniably serious, but the implications of the report extend beyond mere statistics, impacting public sentiment and potential policy decisions.