May 17, 2025
What Is Famine, and Why Is Gaza at Risk?
Half a million people in Gaza, or 20 percent of the population, are on the brink of starvation due to a complete collapse of food supplies
The entire population suffers from acute food insecurity, with famine likely to be declared any time between now and September, warns the UN
Since March 2, Israel's blockade has stopped all food, water, and medicine from entering Gaza, causing a humanitarian crisis
Over 9,000 children have been hospitalized for malnutrition this year, with 71,000 under five expected to suffer, including 14,100 severe cases
Starvation progresses in three stages. After fats are depleted, the body uses muscle and bone for energy, leading to organ failure and death
Bakeries and 177 hot meal kitchens have shut down due to lack of supplies. Families sell rubbish to afford skyrocketing food prices
North Gaza and Rafah face catastrophic food insecurity. In North Gaza, 30 percent face famine, while 60 percent are in emergency levels
93 percent of Gaza’s population faces crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity. Famine could engulf 470,000 people soon
Malnourished children show swollen abdomens from protein deficiency. Pregnant women and 17,000 breastfeeding mothers also face malnutrition
Israel’s blockade has turned Gaza into a man-made famine zone, with millions of lives at risk and no immediate relief in sight
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