Famine declared in Gaza by UN

An official worldwide classification employed by the UN and its allies to indicate severe food insecurity.

Announced via the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system, collaboratively overseen by UN agencies and humanitarian organizations.

Standards for Announcement

A famine is announced when each of the three criteria is satisfied:

A minimum of 20% of households experience severe food scarcity.

Child acute malnutrition surpasses 30%.

The mortality rate exceeds 2 fatalities for every 10,000 individuals daily.

Process for Announcement

Humanitarian organizations gather data regarding food security, nutrition, and mortality rates.

Technical assessment conducted by the IPC Global Support Unit.

Verification by United Nations organizations like FAO, WFP, UNICEF, and OCHA.

Joint statement issued by the UN and IPC to inform the global community.

Importance of Statement

Attracts worldwide focus and immediate humanitarian action.

Opens up international financial support and aid commitments.

Offers legal and ethical basis for initiating ceasefires and establishing humanitarian routes.

Increases pressure on governments and military factions according to international humanitarian law.

Nations/Regions with Famine Announcements

Somalia (2011, 2022) – intense drought and warfare.

South Sudan (2017) – conflict and relocation.

Yemen (2018–present risk) – blockade caused by conflict.

Ethiopia's Tigray (2021) – famine conditions caused by war.

Sudan (2024) – Civil conflict in Sudan starting in 2023

Gaza (2025) – ongoing crisis announced by the UN