August 2nd, 2025. The Famine Review Committee (FRC) has officially confirmed famine (IPC Phase 5) in the Gaza Governorate, one of the few times such a declaration has been made globally. The crisis is projected to spread to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis by the end of September. More than half a million people in Gaza face catastrophic conditions marked by starvation, destitution, and death.
Action Against Hunger warns that the situation is deteriorating rapidly. “Our nutrition teams are witnessing the highest number of severe acute malnutrition cases since we began nutrition operations in Gaza in 2024,” said an Action Against Hunger staff member in Deir al-Balah. “Pregnant and breastfeeding women face double the risk: exhausted bodies, harsh hunger, and a severe lack of essential health and nutrition support.”
In July and August alone, Action Against Hunger nutrition teams received more than 400 cases of malnourished children, 20% of them severe. UN and INGO data show that thousands of new cases are being recorded monthly, with hundreds of severe cases every day. In May alone, 5,119 children under five were admitted for acute malnutrition treatment—a 148% increase from February. June admissions surged to 6,500, the highest since October 2023, and more than 5,000 additional cases were reported in just the first two weeks of July. The FRC projects that by June 2026, at least 132,000 children under five will be at risk of death from acute malnutrition, including more than 41,000 severe cases.
“It’s important to note that many families do not have the resources to arrive at humanitarian nutrition sites to receive treatment,” explains an Action Against Hunger staff member in Gaza. “Also, there’s a lack of nutrition supplies, hindering the capacity to treat such cases in a timely manner.”
“As a result of nearly two years of continued forcible transfer, airstrikes, and little access to food and water, Gaza’s entire population has been forced to rely on humanitarian food aid as a primary source of sustenance,” said Vincent Stehli, Action Against Hunger Head of Operations.
“The current entry of aid is alarmingly insufficient in the face of widespread and rapidly increasing famine”
Despite these alarming figures, humanitarian access remains severely restricted. Humanitarian organizations, including Action Against Hunger, face administrative obstacles that prevent the import of lifesaving goods.
“There is no end to this crisis,” said an Action Against Hunger breastfeeding counsellor. “The acute shortage in aid and assistance is increasingly alarming. With every consultation, my worst fears get confirmed.”
Local food production is nearly impossible—only 1.5% of Gaza’s cropland remains accessible and undamaged. Inflation has driven staple food prices up by 4,000% compared to pre-October 2023, while shelter conditions are dire and new waves of displacement threaten to overwhelm what remains of the humanitarian system.
Action Against Hunger urgently calls for a permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and full, large-scale, and sustained access for humanitarian actors. Only through coordinated and unhindered efforts can we deliver the necessary response to avert further loss of life in Gaza.
“An immediate ceasefire and end to the conflict is critical to enabling an unimpeded, large-scale humanitarian response that can save lives. Famine must be stopped now,” concluded Vincent Stehli.
Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 56 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.
Join our community of supporters passionate about ending world hunger.
