UN Declares Famine in War-Torn Gaza

UN Declares Famine in War-Hit Gaza Strip

Why in the News ?

The UN officially declared a famine in parts of Gaza, blaming systematic obstruction of aid by Israel during its war with Hamas. Around 500,000 people face starvation, while UN agencies warn that famine could spread to cover nearly two-thirds of Gaza.

UN Declares Famine in War-Torn Gaza

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza:

  • The Rome-based Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) declared famine affecting 500,000 people in Gaza governorate.
  • Gaza governorate houses nearly one-fifth of Palestinian territory and nearly 1 million displaced people.
  • Famine likely to spread to Deir el-Balah and Khan Yunis by September → covering two-thirds of Gaza.
  • UN aid chief Tom Fletcher said famine is “entirely preventable” but food and medicine cannot reach due to Israeli restrictions.
  • In March 2025, Israel completely banned aid for two months, worsening shortages of food, medicine, and fuel.

Political and Military Response

  • Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened to destroy Gaza City if Hamas refuses to release hostages and disarm.
  • Israel dismissed the famine report as “Hamas propaganda laundered through vested organisations”.
  • Hamas called on the UN and UNSC to stop the war and lift the blockade.
  • UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk: using starvation as a weapon is a war crime and may also constitute wilful killing.
  • UN Secretary-General António Guterres demanded an immediate ceasefire, warning of “catastrophic conditions of starvation, destitution, and death”.

About Famine & International Law:

●     Famine (IPC Definition): Declared when ≥20% households face extreme food shortages, acute malnutrition exceeds 30%, and death rates >2 persons/10,000/day.

●     Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC): UN-backed initiative providing scientific assessments of food insecurity.

●     International Humanitarian Law (IHL):

○      Geneva Conventions prohibit starvation as a method of warfare.

○      Rome Statute of ICC recognises intentional starvation as a war crime.

●     UN Role:

○      Coordinates humanitarian relief via WFP, WHO, UNRWA.

○      Calls for humanitarian corridors during conflicts.