The food crisis in Gaza has reached unprecedented levels, according to a new alert released today from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the global standard for assessing food insecurity. The entire population of Gaza is now classified in Emergency (IPC Phase 4 of 5), with over 71,000 children aged 6 to 59 months suffering from acute malnutrition — including 14,100 severe cases.
The situation is growing equally dire for pregnant and breastfeeding women, with an estimated 18,400 women expected to require urgent treatment by April 2026 to avoid life-threatening and irreversible health consequences for both mothers and infants. These findings mark a dramatic worsening since the previous IPC report, which already placed 93% of Gaza’s population in Crisis (IPC Phase 3 or higher).
This rapid deterioration follows more than two months of total siege, during which no humanitarian aid — including food, water, medicine, or other critical supplies — has been allowed to enter Gaza.
As a result of the severe lack of food and diversity in nutrition, 250,000 people are living in starvation conditions today. This number is expected to double if the situation in Gaza does not improve. The IPC warns: if conditions continue, or worse, deteriorate, then famine is imminent.
“Today, I work as a breastfeeding counselor with Action Against Hunger and with every consultation my worst fears get confirmed: there is no end to this crisis. The situation is growing more catastrophic, and the acute shortage in aid and assistance is increasingly alarming,” shared one Action Against Hunger staff member in Gaza. “Breastfeeding and pregnant women face double the risk: their bodies are exhausted from pregnancy and childbirth, and in return they face harsh hunger and a severe lack of all essential health and nutrition necessities.”
In April 2025, Action Against Hunger assessed over 1,000 children under the age of five across three governorates in Gaza. The results were stark: every child assessed was experiencing food insecurity, based on caregiver reports of having to skip meals or lacking food when needed.
Alarmingly, half of the children were found to be either moderately or severely food insecure. In the Middle Area, one in three caregivers reported that their child had gone an entire day without eating. Since the start of April, our teams in Gaza have seen a surge in admissions to our malnutrition treatment programs — with more children newly diagnosed with acute malnutrition this month alone than in the first three months of 2025 combined. These are among the worst levels our teams have ever witnessed.
“The only thing keeping Palestinians from famine right now is humanitarian assistance,” explained Natalia Anguera. “Our teams in Gaza have distributed the last of our remaining dry food parcels, with only items for one community kitchen remaining. Many other organizations run out weeks ago.”
Food stocks have nearly run out. Since the start of the siege, over 177 community kitchens and bakeries have forcibly closed, while the cost of wheat flour – a household staple – has increased over 3,000% since February 2025, now costing between $235 USD to $520 USD per 25 kilograms across Gaza.
The evidence is clear: blocking the entrance of food will cause famine. The only way to prevent famine-related deaths is to allow food in. Action Against Hunger reiterates its demands to all parties to the conflict to immediately and unconditionally re-open all border crossings, as well as secure an immediate and permanent ceasefire and protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
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.
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