Gaza faces man-made famine as humanitarian crisis deepens

In Gaza, a humanitarian crisis has reached alarming levels, with more than half a million people currently facing starvation. Famine conditions have been officially declared in Gaza Governorate, according to a warning issued by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) on August 22, 2025. This alarming designation indicates severe food shortages, with reports of acute malnutrition among children and rising mortality rates. The famine's onset has been attributed largely to ongoing conflict and restrictions on aid access, which have worsened since a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came to an end in March 2025. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has publicly dismissed the IPC's report as an “outright lie,” claiming that the findings are based on unreliable sources linked to Hamas. Despite Israel permitting an influx of aid trucks into Gaza, reports suggest that a significant amount of humanitarian aid is being diverted—over 88%—with claims that both local communities and armed groups, particularly Hamas, are responsible for this diversion. COGAT, the Israeli coordination body for aid activities, argues that its figures show an increase in aid delivery. In contrast, humanitarian organizations assert that dire situations unfold amid consistent evidence of aid diversion. The recent IPC analysis has highlighted that over 20% of households in Gaza are facing extreme food shortages and that mortality rates are nearing famine levels, particularly impacting vulnerable populations, including children under five years old, with the risk of death from malnutrition notably high. Various international organizations have been vocal about the inadequate response to the humanitarian needs arising in the region, urging for immediate and unrestricted access to provide essential aid. As such, reports indicate that humanitarian organizations face various restrictions in delivering assistance directly to those most in need. In light of the unfolding situation, António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, condemned the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza, describing them as a “living hell.” This statement emphasizes the need for the international community to intervene and provide focused assistance. The impact of the blockade on humanitarian access and operational impediments raised by various humanitarian organizations highlight the complexities of delivering aid in a conflict zone, where security threats against aid workers and looting are prevalent. With conditions in Gaza continuing to deteriorate, urgent calls have been made for a reassessment of the current aid methodologies and for greater cooperation among various aid organizations to alleviate the suffering faced by civilians.