TEL AVIV, Dec 19: The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reported that famine has been averted in Gaza, but Palestinians still face severe hunger and food insecurity.
Following an October ceasefire, food access improved, with people now able to have two meals daily, up from one in July. Despite this, nearly 2,000 people remain at risk of catastrophic hunger, and the territory could face famine if conflict resumes or aid is restricted.
Displacement drives much of the crisis, with over 70% of Gazans living in temporary or water-logged shelters. Poor hygiene, limited services, and economic hardship exacerbate the situation. Over 100,000 children under five are expected to suffer acute malnutrition in the next year.
Israel rejects IPC findings, claiming aid deliveries meet nutritional needs, but aid groups stress that access is uneven and insufficient. Experts emphasize that the crisis is not just about food shipments but whether Palestinians can safely and consistently access food, water, shelter, and healthcare, highlighting the urgent need for sustained humanitarian support. (AP)
