A relative improvement in food security in Gaza, but 1.6 million people are still suffering

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification showed that although humanitarian aid has increased since the ceasefire announced on 10 October 2025, including food aid, only basic survival needs are being met.

He added that basic infrastructure and services, such as healthcare, water treatment and sanitation, are still insufficient to support the entire population. Many people are still living in temporary shelters, leaving them vulnerable to harsh winter conditions.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) is a global initiative involving UN agencies, regional partners and relief organizations. Food insecurity is classified into… Five stagesThe most severe famine, which comes in fifth place.

Last August, the classification confirmed the occurrence of famine in the Gaza Governorate and expected it to spread to the Deir al-Balah and Khan Yunis governorates by the end of September.

Emergency food insecurity

In its latest update issued today, Friday, the classification stated that more than 500,000 people faced the “emergency” stage of acute food insecurity (stage 4 of the classification) and more than 100,000 people suffered from catastrophic conditions (stage 5), during the period between October and November.

Furthermore, acute malnutrition has reached critical levels (IPC Phase 4) in Gaza Governorate, and serious levels (Stage 3) in Deir Al Balah and Khan Yunis Governorates.

According to the classification, approximately 1.6 million people (77% of the population covered in the report) faced high levels of acute food insecurity (stage 3 or higher of the classification).

The suffering of children and women

The classification expects the situation to remain critical – between December 1, 2025 and April 15, 2026 – with approximately 1.6 million people still facing food insecurity in crisis phase or worse.

This includes 571,000 people in “emergency” conditions of acute food insecurity (Phase 4 of the classification), and about 1,900 people in the stage of catastrophic conditions (Phase 5), reflecting a decline in the most severe conditions.

According to the classification, as of mid-October 2026, approximately 101,000 children between the ages of 6 and 59 months across the Gaza Strip are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition and need treatment, with more than 31,000 severe cases. During the same period, 37,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women will also face acute malnutrition and need treatment.

The classification warned that under the worst-case scenarios, which include renewed hostilities and a cessation of the flow of humanitarian and commercial aid, the entire Gaza Strip is at risk of famine until mid-April 2026, adding that this confirms the seriousness of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.