‘Worst-case scenario of famine’ is unfolding in Gaza, UN-backed food security initiative says

A UN-backed food security agency has issued its starkest warning yet, saying “the worst-case scenario of famine” is unfolding in Gaza as starvation spreads and pressure mounts on Israel to allow more food into the territory.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reported that conflict, mass displacement, and the collapse of access to essential goods have pushed conditions to unprecedented levels. “Mounting evidence shows that widespread starvation, malnutrition, and disease are driving a rise in hunger-related deaths,” the agency said.

While the alert stops short of formally declaring a famine, the IPC stressed that fresh analysis must be conducted immediately. Current data shows famine thresholds have already been met for food consumption in most of Gaza and for acute malnutrition in Gaza City. The agency called for “immediate action” to halt the fighting and permit “unimpeded, large-scale, life-saving humanitarian response.”

From April to mid-July, more than 20,000 children were treated for acute malnutrition, including over 3,000 severe cases, according to the IPC. In May, the group warned that Gaza’s entire population faced high levels of acute food insecurity and was at “high risk” of famine.

International calls for Israel to ease its blockade and allow aid into Gaza have intensified. On Monday, US President Donald Trump, in some of his strongest comments yet, acknowledged “real starvation” in Gaza—contradicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s denial of such conditions. Speaking from Turnberry, Scotland, Trump announced plans to establish US-run “food centers” in the enclave. “That’s real starvation stuff… you can’t fake that. So, we’re going to be even more involved,” he said.

US Vice President JD Vance also expressed alarm, describing images of “little kids who are clearly starving to death” as “heartbreaking.” He urged Israel to allow more aid in, while also insisting on continued military action against Hamas.

Over the weekend, Israel announced a daily “tactical pause in military activity” in three Gaza areas to facilitate aid deliveries, claiming this move would counter “false claims of deliberate starvation.” The Israeli military has also permitted foreign airdrops of aid, though UN agencies say such efforts are costly, risky, and insufficient.

Meanwhile, Gaza’s health ministry reported on Tuesday that the Palestinian death toll from Israel’s nearly two-year war on Hamas has surpassed 60,000, including 113 killed in the past 24 hours. With ceasefire talks collapsing last week, hopes for an end to the crisis remain dim.

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