Famine Officially Declared in Gaza as Israeli Aggression Escalates – World news

The IPC, established in 2004, has only recognized famine five times in its history. The declaration comes after months of warnings, with the organization now confirming that Gaza meets its criteria: at least 20% of households facing extreme food shortages, 30% of children suffering acute malnutrition, and at least two people per 10,000 dying daily from starvation.

According to the IPC, more than 500,000 residents in the Gaza Governorate — which includes Gaza City and nearby towns — are living under famine conditions. The organization warned the disaster is likely to spread to other areas by the end of September, potentially pushing 1.07 million people into emergency food insecurity.

Despite the clear evidence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied the existence of famine in Gaza and rejected accusations that his regime is using starvation as a weapon of war. He claimed that “hundreds of trucks” carrying aid had been permitted entry, though humanitarian organizations say supplies remain blocked by Israel’s closure of all border crossings.

In parallel with the famine declaration, Israel has intensified its genocidal war on Gaza, mobilizing 60,000 reservists and advancing on the city amid relentless bombardments. Airstrikes and ground operations have forced mass displacement, while the Palestinian Health Ministry reported 271 deaths from starvation — including 112 children — in addition to the tens of thousands killed by Israeli attacks.

Gaza’s Health Ministry said nearly 62,122 Palestinians have been killed and 156,758 injured since October 7, 2023, when Israel launched its genocidal war following the Hamas-led Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, a retaliatory attack against decades of occupation and aggression.

Humanitarian organizations, including UNICEF and Save the Children, warned that nearly one-third of Gaza’s population is now on the brink of “catastrophic” living conditions. With Israel maintaining a total blockade and preventing the flow of essential supplies, aid agencies cautioned that the situation is set to deteriorate further, marking the first officially recognized famine in the Middle East.