What's happened
Multiple sources confirm Gaza is experiencing famine, with over 63,000 deaths since October 2023. Despite aid efforts, food shortages persist as Israel plans to seize Gaza City. International pressure for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian access intensifies today, September 4, 2025.
What's behind the headline?
The Gaza famine crisis is a stark illustration of how conflict and blockade can precipitate humanitarian disaster. The declaration of famine by the IPC marks a rare acknowledgment of the severity of the crisis in the Middle East. Despite Israel's claims of aid delivery, aid groups and international agencies warn that food supplies are insufficient and that the blockade, combined with ongoing military operations, exacerbates starvation. The international community's push for a ceasefire reflects recognition that military escalation will only deepen the humanitarian toll. The involvement of mediators Egypt and Qatar highlights diplomatic efforts to halt the violence, but Israel's demands for comprehensive security measures threaten to prolong the crisis. The situation underscores the urgent need for increased humanitarian access and a political solution to prevent further loss of life and suffering. The potential for famine to spread further south indicates the crisis's widening scope, with long-term consequences for regional stability and civilian well-being.
What the papers say
The Gulf News reports that the UN warns of an imminent famine in Gaza, with over 300 aid trucks entering daily but insufficient to meet needs. South China Morning Post highlights international pressure on Israel, with Cindy McCain of the World Food Programme describing starvation as 'real and happening now,' and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres calling Gaza a 'present-day catastrophe.' The New Arab emphasizes the ongoing diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire, with Egypt and Qatar mediating, while Israel resists demands for a truce, insisting on a comprehensive deal. AP News confirms famine as a critical issue, with the IPC's official declaration marking a significant acknowledgment of the crisis. The Times of Israel features McCain’s visit to Gaza, describing her urgent call for aid and a ceasefire, amid Israel's military preparations and continued aid restrictions. These sources collectively portray a worsening humanitarian emergency driven by conflict, blockade, and diplomatic stalemates.
How we got here
The Gaza Strip has been under blockade and conflict since October 2023, following Hamas's attack on Israel. The ongoing war has led to widespread destruction, displacement, and a collapse of food production. International agencies have warned of famine, but Israel denies the severity, citing aid trucks and claiming Hamas siphons supplies. The situation has escalated with Israeli military plans to seize Gaza City, while mediators push for a ceasefire to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.
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Common question
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What is the current situation in Gaza and how bad is the famine?
Gaza is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with famine officially confirmed in the region. The ongoing conflict, blockade, and collapsing food systems have led to dire conditions for civilians. Many are asking how bad the situation really is and what can be done to help. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about Gaza's crisis and the international response.
More on these topics
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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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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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Cindy Lou Hensley McCain is an American businesswoman, philanthropist, and humanitarian. She is the widow of United States Senator, Vietnam war veteran and 2008 Republican presidential nominee John McCain from Arizona and the mother of television host and
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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 City, often simply called Gaza, is a city in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, and the capital of the Gaza Governorate. Located on the Mediterranean coast, 76.6 kilometres (47.6 mi) southwest of Jerusalem, it was home to Palestine's only port. With a popula
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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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Egypt, officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a transcontinental country spanning the northeast corner of Africa and southwest corner of Asia by a land bridge formed by the Sinai Peninsula.
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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.