Gaza Heading Into Famine Conditions IPC Warns of Escalating Hunger Crisis
May 14—The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), described by AP as a leading international authority on hunger crises, issued a report on May 12 warning of a “high risk” of outright famine in Gaza if circumstances don’t change.
“Nineteen months into the conflict, the Gaza Strip is still confronted with a critical risk of famine,” the IPC report states. "Over 60 days have passed since all humanitarian aid and commercial supplies were blocked from entering the territory. Goods indispensable for people’s survival are either depleted or expected to run out in the coming weeks. The entire population is facing high levels of acute food insecurity, with half a million people (one in five) facing starvation."
From May 11 to the end of September 2025, IPC classifies the entire territory in Emergency (IPC Phase 4), with all residents expected to experience Crisis or worse levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or higher). Alarmingly, 22% of the population is already in the catastrophic Phase 5. The latest findings paint a much grimmer picture than the previous IPC analysis from October 2024.
Political Responses and Criticism
Despite the worsening conditions, famine has yet to be officially declared. However, a lack of declaration does not mean people are not already starving, said Chris Newton, an analyst for the International Crisis Group. He told AP, “The Israeli government is starving Gaza as part of its attempt to destroy Hamas and transform the Strip.”
Sources indicate President Trump is fully aware of the humanitarian crisis and places responsibility on, the Butcher of Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu. While emergency aid is necessary, these sources argue that the crisis can only be resolved by ending the war and removing Netanyahu's control over the territory.
Israel’s plan, announced on May 5, to manage humanitarian aid distribution has drawn strong criticism. The IPC warns it is “highly insufficient to meet the population’s essential needs for food, water, shelter, and medicine.”
Calls for a New Approach to Aid
A broader plan proposed by sections of the Trump administration aims to administer aid through a joint U.S.-Israeli foundation. However, sources close to the administration argue that this approach is flawed, as it operates under Netanyahu’s premise that blocking Hamas from acquiring supplies is the priority.
Trump’s team, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, initially worked on the proposal, but recent developments have shifted their stance. “Hamas is not the problem in food distribution,” a source close to the White House asserted. “The man who is starving Palestinians is Bibi and his inner circle, including cabinet ministers[National Security Minister] Ben-Gvir and [Finance Minister]Smotrich, who have openly called for starving Gazans.”
The Trump administration is expected to introduce a new plan, distinct from the Israeli strategy, focusing on utilizing all available resources to deliver aid directly to those in desperate need.
Urgent Warnings from IPC
The IPC strongly criticized Israel’s proposed distribution mechanisms, stating that they would likely create barriers preventing large portions of the population from accessing essential supplies. Given ongoing military operations and continued difficulties in delivering aid, the IPC warns that famine (IPC Phase 5) is increasingly likely between May 11 and September 30.
“Immediate action is essential to prevent further deaths, starvation, and acute malnutrition,” the IPC report concludes, calling for an end to hostilities, unrestricted humanitarian access, restoration of essential services, and sufficient lifesaving assistance for all in need.