What is happening, and how bad is it?

For many weeks now, no aid or commercial goods have been allowed to enter Gaza. At the same time, the endless bombings continue to displace families and destroy infrastructure. With food stocks nearly gone, most people simply cannot access enough to eat.

100% of Gaza’s population – around 2.1 million people – is facing crisis levels of food insecurity. 

Food prices in markets have spiked to astronomical levels, putting what little food is available out of reach for most families. They are resorting to searching rubble and rubbish for food.

And yet, for many, things will now get worse. Nearly a quarter of the population – 470,000 people – face catastrophic famine conditions in the coming months. This means families are facing extreme food shortages. They could starve to death. 

What does “famine” mean?

A famine is not simply a lack of food. It is the most extreme form of food crisis, defined by widespread starvation, high levels of acute malnutrition, and deaths.

In famine-hit areas, people will die every day from starvation. 

While famine has not yet been officially declared, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) – an international body – has warned that Gaza remains at high risk of entering famine conditions between May and September 2025, unless urgent action is taken.

This would mean even greater loss of life, particularly among the most vulnerable: young children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.

In this worst case scenario, health services would fully collapse due to lack of personnel and supplies. Lack of treatment options for diseases would lead to the rapid deterioration of the health and nutrition status of the population. Lack of clean water, collapse of the solid waste system and overcrowding, would worsen health conditions and increase deaths.

Famine would mark a complete breakdown of the ability of people to meet their basic needs for survival.

What more needs to happen?

The situation remains critical – but it is not without hope if immediate action is taken now. To prevent further starvation and save lives, the following must happen:

• A ceasefire now and a lifting of the blockade.
• Safe and unhindered access for humanitarian aid across Gaza.
• Restoration of essential services, including health, nutrition, water, and sanitation.
• Resumption of commercial flows to stabilise markets and lower food prices.

It is vital to understand that food alone is not enough. Malnourished children need specialist treatments, medical supervision, clean water, and time to recover. Even those who have responded well to treatment remain vulnerable without ongoing support.

UNICEF remains committed and ready to act. With safe access, we can reach every child who needs help – but we need support from people like you.