Why in news?
In August 2025 United Nations agencies announced that Gaza met the thresholds for a formal famine declaration. Years of blockade and recent escalations in violence had pushed food insecurity to catastrophic levels. The declaration was meant to galvanise international aid and diplomatic pressure to allow humanitarian access.
Criteria for famine declaration
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) defines famine using three quantitative indicators:
- At least 20 % of households face extreme food shortages with no means to cope.
- Acute malnutrition affects over 30 % of children.
- The daily death rate exceeds two per 10,000 people.
Once these conditions are verified by experts, the UN issues a declaration to mobilise resources.
Underlying causes
- Conflict: Years of blockade and repeated military operations have destroyed farms, fisheries and infrastructure.
- Economic collapse: High unemployment and restricted movement leave families unable to afford basic food.
- Climate stress: Droughts and saline intrusion have further reduced agricultural yields.
Consequences and responses
A famine declaration triggers a coordinated global response: governments and charities scale up food aid, nutrition programmes and medical support. It also increases diplomatic pressure on warring parties to open corridors for relief. Similar declarations have previously been made in Somalia (2011), South Sudan (2017), parts of Yemen and Ethiopia. Sustained peace and access are necessary to prevent recurrent famines.