A United Nations-backed panel of 50 experts working under the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) announced on 22 Aug 2025 that Gaza City and nearby districts had entered Phase 5 famine—the first such determination ever made in the Middle East. The IPC said 514,000 Palestinians, almost one quarter of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents, are facing catastrophic food shortages. It warned the figure could rise to 641,000 and spread south to the governorates of Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis by late September. A related UN analysis estimated up to 41,000 children could die of starvation within months if aid remains restricted. Israel rejected the assessment as biased. On 27 August, Foreign Ministry Director-General Eden Bar Tal demanded the IPC withdraw what he called a “fabricated” report and threatened to present evidence of methodological flaws. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu likewise denied any policy of starvation, pointing to recent convoys that Israel says delivered hundreds of aid trucks to the enclave. The declaration exposed rifts at the United Nations. In a joint statement the same day, 14 of the 15 UN Security Council members—every member except the United States—called the famine a “man-made crisis,” urged an immediate, unconditional and permanent cease-fire, and pressed Israel to lift all restrictions on humanitarian deliveries. Acting U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea questioned the IPC’s credibility but acknowledged that hunger in Gaza is severe. Humanitarian agencies have warned that, without a rapid surge of food, fuel and medical supplies, famine conditions could engulf much of the strip within weeks. They continue to appeal for unfettered access and a halt to hostilities to prevent a wider loss of life.