345,000 Gazans face ‘catastrophic’ hunger this winter: UN report

A UN-backed assesment report on Thursday revealed  that around 345,000 Gazans are expected to face "catastrophic" levels of hunger this winter due to a sharp decline in aid deliveries.

The report, prepared by UN agencies and NGOs, highlighted the increasing risk of famine across the Palestinian territory.

This figure is a significant increase from the 133,000 individuals currently classified as experiencing "catastrophic food insecurity."

Although a surge in humanitarian assistance during the summer temporarily alleviated conditions, September witnessed the lowest level of commercial and humanitarian supplies entering Gaza since March.

According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, the number of people expected to face catastrophic food insecurity (IPC Phase 5) could rise to 345,000, or 16% of Gaza’s population, between November 2024 and April 2025.

The report cautioned that the steep decline in aid would severely limit the ability of families to access food and essential supplies unless action is taken.

In response to the worsening situation, the United States warned Israel on Tuesday that it may withhold some military aid unless improvements are made in delivering assistance to Gaza within 30 days.

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, also voiced concerns about the risk of famine, particularly as large parts of Gaza remain devastated by Israeli military action following the October 7 attack by Hamas last year.