UN to Declare Famine in Gaza

The United Nations-backed food security body IPC is expected to declare a state of famine in Gaza City in a briefing to the Security Council on Friday, a move likely to intensify international pressure on Israel as its military prepares an offensive in northern Gaza.

Israeli officials claim the decision reflects a change in UN methodology aimed at bolstering Hamas’s narrative. Israel’s UN envoy Danny Danon said the declaration “alters criteria to serve Hamas propaganda,” urging the international community to instead focus on hostages held in Gaza and the threat posed by militant groups.

“Those who exploit the term ‘famine’ for political gain ultimately harm Gaza’s civilians,” Danon said.

Moreover, the fact that two million tons of food have been pouring in makes claims of starvation seem absurd.

Previous Warnings

The IPC system defines famine as extreme food deprivation and malnutrition leading to significant deaths. According to recent UN assessments, most areas of Gaza meet the baseline conditions, with the situation in Gaza City described as severe.

Israeli and Military Response

Israel has long maintained that while conditions in Gaza are dire, they do not amount to famine. Officials blame Hamas for diverting aid and restricting distribution.

Ghassan Alian, Israel’s coordinator for activities in the Palestinian territories, accused the UN of amplifying “false starvation campaigns.” He said Israel has increased the flow of food, medicine and humanitarian aid in recent months, though acknowledged Hamas often controls distribution.

At the same time, Israeli security assessments earlier this year warned that Gaza was “on the brink of famine,” highlighting growing domestic concern about the humanitarian crisis.

The looming declaration comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he had authorized the military to proceed with plans to seize Gaza City and “defeat Hamas.” He said negotiations on a possible hostage release and ceasefire could proceed in parallel but rejected Hamas’s latest 60-day truce proposal.

Western governments have voiced opposition to an Israeli ground takeover of Gaza City, warning it would worsen civilian suffering.