Gaza is no longer classified as being in famine following a sharp increase in humanitarian aid deliveries after the ceasefire agreed in October between Israel and Hamas, according to a United Nations-backed hunger monitoring body.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) said improved access for humanitarian and commercial food supplies, reduced fighting, and progress toward a proposed peace plan have led to better food security conditions across the Gaza Strip.
“Following a significant reduction in conflict, a proposed peace plan, and improved access for both humanitarian and commercial food deliveries, food security conditions have improved in the Gaza Strip,” the IPC said, adding that “no areas are classified in famine.”
In August, the same watchdog warned that parts of Gaza were experiencing a “man-made” famine due to severe aid restrictions and prolonged fighting.
Despite the improved classification, the IPC cautioned that conditions remain fragile, with most of Gaza’s population still facing high levels of acute food insecurity.
“Although humanitarian assistance, including food aid, has increased, only basic survival needs are being met,” the organization said.
The IPC warned that Gaza could return to famine if conditions worsen. Under a worst-case scenario involving renewed hostilities and a halt in humanitarian and commercial inflows, North Gaza, Gaza Governorate, Deir al-Balah, and Khan Younis could face famine risk through mid-April 2026.
Israel has consistently rejected earlier famine claims. Following the IPC’s latest report, Israel’s UN ambassador Danny Danon said the findings confirmed Israel’s position that there is no famine in Gaza.
Israel’s aid coordination agency, COGAT, said between 600 and 800 aid trucks now enter Gaza daily, with roughly 70% carrying food. Hamas has disputed these figures, arguing that aid reaching civilians remains insufficient.
International media and humanitarian groups have previously documented widespread hunger and severe shortages, particularly before the ceasefire, when aid access was restricted or suspended. During that period, civilians reportedly died from hunger and others were killed while trying to access food distribution points.
The IPC uses a five-phase scale to assess food insecurity. A famine designation requires evidence that at least 20% of households face extreme food shortages, at least 30% of children are acutely malnourished, and at least two people per 10,000 die daily from starvation or related causes.
While the latest assessment signals improvement, humanitarian agencies warn that sustained aid access and long-term stability are critical to prevent a return to catastrophic conditions.
