By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The recent IPC report declaring famine in Gaza reflects the global response to the ongoing crisis, according to Middle East correspondent Adam Parsons. While Israel disputes the famine declaration, the report highlights severe food shortages in Gaza City, the focal point of an impending military operation. Simultaneously, a ceasefire proposal endorsed by Hamas remains under consideration, creating a tense situation marked by conflicting narratives and potential military escalation. The Israeli government’s stance includes differing opinions on the future of Gaza and its population, adding further complexity to the situation.
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Famine declared in Gaza City, a stark reality that has, unfortunately, become the focus. It’s a gut-wrenching situation, and the simple fact is, it’s been declared. The UN Chief’s desperate plea, “For humanity’s sake – let us in,” echoes the gravity of the situation, and one can almost anticipate the response.
Classifying a famine isn’t arbitrary; it’s defined by stringent criteria. A daily mortality rate exceeding two per 10,000 people, or four per 10,000 children under five, are key indicators. Given Gaza’s population, this translates to a potentially horrifying 400 deaths daily, a number that dwarfs the cumulative deaths from malnutrition over the course of the conflict.
Figures from Gaza’s Health Ministry, verified by the World Health Organisation, show a disturbing trend. Malnutrition and starvation deaths are tragically spiking. Reports show 133 deaths attributed to malnutrition or starvation in the first 20 days of August, including 25 children. That’s a truly awful number. This increase, coming after months of devastating conditions, raises urgent questions.
The timing of the famine declaration is, perhaps, a point of contention for some. The UN’s declaration has coincided with an anticipated Israeli operation in specific geographical areas, leading some to question the motivations. It’s easy to see how skepticism could arise.
There are assertions about aid already entering Gaza, yet it seems not all of it is reaching those in need. Additionally, videos have circulated showing aid trucks hijacked by various groups. There are many claims about this, and it is important to evaluate them.
Beyond the specifics, there’s the fundamental issue of aid access. The question of whether Hamas should release hostages, stop procuring weapons, and focus on feeding the starving is a valid one.
The claim that less than 2100 calories per day constitutes “starvation” has led to debate. It seems quite low to me, but I am not a doctor, and I don’t know what the UN’s methodology is. It is important to consider what constitutes adequate sustenance for survival.
There’s a perception of bias within the UN, with some feeling the timing of the famine declaration is politically motivated, pointing out that it has been months, and it feels like it is only being declared at the moment of an offensive. The potential for this to be an antisemitic trope, as it sometimes appears to be, is something that should be considered.
Looking at some numbers provided by the World Food Programme, it takes 951 metric tons of food to feed almost half a million people for a week.
The UN’s own data shows a substantial amount of food aid entering Gaza over a specific period. However, there are discrepancies between the UN’s reported truck counts and those provided by COGAT, raising further questions about the accuracy and transparency of aid distribution.
Some say that Palestinians themselves have been posting videos and images showing they have enough food, and this could be seen on their social media accounts. The question of whether this is true, or merely a biased view from one side of the story, is something we all have to consider.
Data from the Guardian mentions a low number of starvation deaths before July 2025 according to the Gazan Health Ministry. The implication is that the situation has deteriorated severely since.
Comparing this to Illinois, which had a starvation death rate several times higher than Gaza’s. It’s important to note that the comparison is imperfect, as conditions are so vastly different. The circumstances in Gaza are far more extreme.
The criteria for declaring a famine include severe food shortages in a significant percentage of households, acute malnutrition in many children, and a high mortality rate. These measures are not being met, some say.
The famine has been declared in Gaza City, not the entire Gaza Strip. As such, the population numbers differ and the specific areas under siege and potential conflict should be taken into consideration.
The reality is that if even 15% of children in Gaza are malnourished, there’s a significant problem. The fact that the UN isn’t independent in getting aid inside Gaza, is a concern.
Regardless of the nuances, the fundamental need to feed everyone, combatants included, is paramount. A failure to do so is not the correct way to fight a war, and should not be the ultimate goal.
Famine, by its nature, tends to occur in areas experiencing conflict and instability. It’s hardly surprising.
The declaration comes as reports emerge of schools reopening and critical infrastructure being rebuilt. The intention might be to change the narrative, but many have already made up their minds. It’s a tragic situation.