Gaza famine eases but more than 100,000 still face catastrophic hunger - report

A global hunger monitor has said that famine conditions in Gaza have eased, but warned that more than 100,000 people are still living in catastrophic food insecurity, with the overall humanitarian situation remaining “critical”.

In its latest assessment published on Friday, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) said improved access for humanitarian and commercial food supplies following a fragile ceasefire on 10 October had helped pull the enclave back from famine conditions.

The update comes four months after the IPC reported that around 514,000 people – nearly a quarter of Gaza’s population – were experiencing famine. Despite the improvement, the agency cautioned that the territory remains highly vulnerable.

“Under a worst-case scenario, including renewed hostilities and a suspension of humanitarian and commercial inflows, the entire Gaza Strip is at risk of famine through mid-April 2026,” the IPC said, stressing the severity of the ongoing crisis. Israel controls all entry points into Gaza.

According to the report, more than 100,000 people are currently facing catastrophic levels of hunger, although that number is projected to fall to around 1,900 by April 2026 if current conditions hold. The IPC classified the whole of Gaza as being in an emergency phase, one step below catastrophe.

The agency also warned of severe impacts on children and women. Nearly 101,000 children between six and 59 months are expected to suffer acute malnutrition over the next year, including more than 31,000 severe cases requiring treatment.

In the same period, around 37,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are also projected to face acute malnutrition, the IPC said.