Israeli officials are responding critically to a recent report from a United Nations-backed group about food security in Gaza. This organization, called the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), had previously stated that famine conditions existed in Gaza in August. Their new assessment indicates that approximately 1.6 million people in Gaza are now experiencing “high levels of acute food insecurity.”
Maj. Gen. Ghassan Alian, from the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), labeled the IPC report as biased, arguing it ignores the substantial food supplies that entered Gaza during a ceasefire. He believes the report’s conclusions were already formed before the data was analyzed.
COGAT pointed out that this isn’t the first time IPC has issued alarming forecasts about Gaza that didn’t come true. They emphasized that other assessments have been proven wrong and disconnected from reality, especially regarding the availability of food and aid.
In its latest report, the IPC noted a slight easing of the blockade and an increase in essential supplies following their previous assessments. However, they still warn that famine conditions were present in July and early August, although these severe conditions have not expanded to other areas currently.
Experts have disputed the IPC’s famine claims. Dr. David Adesnik from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies argues that mortality rates don’t reflect famine conditions. He mentioned that food prices have remained steady or even declined during alleged famine periods.
The IPC explained to media outlets that meeting famine thresholds requires significant daily mortality rates due to starvation or malnutrition-related diseases. They asserted that there is clear evidence in Gaza that these thresholds could potentially be reached.
Despite not claiming an ongoing famine, the IPC has hinted that if conflict resumes, the entire region could be at risk of famine by mid-April 2026. Dr. Adesnik criticized the IPC’s predictions as mere speculation about future events.
This situation remains sensitive, with international implications regarding food security and humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza.
