UN-Backed Body Declares Famine in Gaza Amid Israel Disputes

The United Nations-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has declared famine in parts of Gaza, estimating that over half a million Palestinians are currently facing catastrophic hunger conditions, with numbers expected to rise significantly. This marks the first time the IPC has recorded famine outside Africa, prompting urgent calls from UN officials like Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini for immediate political action and humanitarian relief. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly disputes the famine designation, calling the report "absolutely false" and accusing the IPC of ignoring Israel's humanitarian efforts, including aid deliveries and food price stabilization in Gaza. Israel's Coordinator for Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) also criticized the IPC report for relying on allegedly biased sources and flawed data, highlighting over 10,000 aid trucks and millions of relief packages delivered since May. Palestinian Resistance Committees condemned the famine declaration as evidence of genocide by Israel, accusing it of using starvation as a weapon of war with US support and calling for accountability. The conflicting narratives illustrate the contested nature of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid ongoing conflict and blockade.