What's happened
As of December 2025, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reports no famine in Gaza following a fragile ceasefire in October and increased aid deliveries. However, 1.6 million people remain acutely food insecure, with over 100,000 facing catastrophic hunger. The situation remains fragile amid ongoing restrictions, poor sanitation, and displacement.
What's behind the headline?
Persistent Fragility Despite Progress
The IPC's latest assessment marks a significant shift from the famine conditions declared in August 2025, reflecting improved humanitarian access and a reduction in active conflict. However, the absence of famine does not equate to a resolution. Over three-quarters of Gaza's population still face acute food insecurity, with many relying on nutritionally inadequate food sources.
Political and Logistical Barriers
Israel's control over Gaza's borders and the fluctuating nature of aid deliveries continue to hamper consistent access to food and essential supplies. Disputes over aid volume and distribution between Israeli authorities and humanitarian groups highlight ongoing challenges. The IPC warns that renewed hostilities or aid disruptions could rapidly reverse gains, risking a return to famine.
Broader Humanitarian Concerns
Malnutrition among children and pregnant women remains alarmingly high, compounded by poor sanitation and overcrowded living conditions that increase disease risk. Displacement and inadequate shelter exacerbate vulnerability, especially as winter conditions worsen.
Forecast and Implications
Without sustained, expanded, and unhindered humanitarian access, Gaza faces a precarious future. The fragile ceasefire and partial aid improvements provide a temporary reprieve but not a durable solution. The international community must prioritize removing barriers to aid and addressing underlying structural issues to prevent a humanitarian relapse and support recovery.
What the papers say
The New York Times' Ben Hubbard paints a stark picture of malnutrition's human toll, describing individuals who have lost significant weight and suffer daily from hunger. The Washington Post's Ishaan Tharoor and Politico highlight the IPC's updated findings that famine conditions have been pushed back, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres noting improved food access but emphasizing the fragility of the situation. France 24 and Reuters provide detailed accounts of the IPC's warnings about ongoing emergency conditions and the risk of famine returning if aid is disrupted, while also reporting Israel's rejection of the IPC's findings, citing data gaps and disputing aid volume claims. The Independent and The Times of Israel offer insights into the contested aid figures and the challenges of distribution within Gaza, with Israeli agencies asserting that aid exceeds nutritional needs, a claim disputed by humanitarian groups like Oxfam. The New Arab and AP News underscore the critical need for sustained aid and highlight the severe malnutrition risks facing children and pregnant women. Across sources, there is consensus on the improvement since the ceasefire but a shared concern about the precariousness of the gains and the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
How we got here
Two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas led to severe food shortages in Gaza, culminating in an August 2025 declaration of famine by the IPC. A fragile ceasefire on October 10, 2025, eased some restrictions, allowing increased humanitarian and commercial aid into Gaza, improving food access but not resolving the crisis.
Go deeper
- What caused the famine declaration in Gaza in August 2025?
- How has the ceasefire affected humanitarian aid access in Gaza?
- What are the risks if the ceasefire breaks down again?
Common question
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What’s the Latest on Middle East Tensions and International Involvement?
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has drawn global attention, with recent developments involving international forces, diplomatic talks, and humanitarian concerns. People are asking about the US plans, regional reactions, and the current state of peace efforts. Below, we answer some of the most common questions to keep you informed on this complex situation.
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Is Gaza's Food Crisis Worsening or Improving?
Gaza's food situation remains a critical concern amid ongoing conflict and aid challenges. While recent reports suggest some improvements, the overall outlook is fragile and raises questions about future food security. How is the situation evolving, and what are the risks ahead? Below, we explore key questions about Gaza's food crisis, aid efforts, and what experts are saying about the future.
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Is Gaza Facing Famine or Food Shortages Now?
Gaza's humanitarian situation remains complex and fragile. While recent reports indicate that famine has been averted, millions still face severe food insecurity. Many wonder what the current conditions are, how many people are starving, and what challenges remain in ending hunger in Gaza. Below, we explore the latest updates and answer common questions about this ongoing crisis.
More on these topics
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, also known as IPC scale, is a tool for improving food security analysis and decision-making.
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Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to: