The most recent analysis by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reveals that, due to the October ceasefire and improved humanitarian and trade access, none of Gaza’s regions are presently experiencing famine. Although this marks a positive development, the situation remains precarious. Residents still face widespread destruction of infrastructure and continue to live with collapsed sources of income and food production, all within the context of restricted humanitarian operations.

Without a consistent and significant increase in the delivery of food, health care, agricultural aid, and livelihood support—alongside expanded commercial access—millions could quickly fall back into famine conditions, warn the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The IPC report states that around 1.6 million people, representing 77% of Gaza’s population, are currently experiencing high levels of food insecurity. Among them, more than 100,000 children and 37,000 pregnant or nursing women are expected to face acute malnutrition through April of next year. Four areas—North Gaza, Gaza Governorate, Deir al-Balah, and Khan Younis—are classified as being in Emergency (IPC Phase 4) through April 2026, with Gaza Governorate having recently improved from its previous famine designation. Nevertheless, this phase still signifies dire conditions with significant food shortages, critical malnutrition, and heightened mortality risk.

The ceasefire has allowed better access for essential goods, such as food, livestock feed, basic supplies, and commercial goods, helping some households. Still, the majority are enduring severe shortages. Over 730,000 people have been displaced since the ceasefire began, many living in improvised shelters and wholly dependent on aid. Access to safe water, functional sanitation, healthcare, and productive land remains limited, while critical infrastructure—including growing areas and transportation routes—has sustained extensive damage.

The demand for humanitarian assistance is overwhelming and current aid only covers the bare essentials. Children under five, along with pregnant and breastfeeding women, continue to face alarming malnutrition rates, despite the modest improvements in recent months.

Although markets are receiving more nutritious food due to increased humanitarian and commercial flow, many vulnerable households—particularly those with children—cannot afford to purchase food. Protein sources are especially scarce and expensive, resulting in 79% of families being unable to access food or clean water. No children are meeting nutritional diversity recommendations, while two-thirds are living in severe food poverty with diets consisting of only one to two food groups.

Poor living conditions such as overcrowded shelters, compromised water and sewage systems, and families resorting to burning debris for heat have contributed to the proliferation of illnesses. Outbreaks of respiratory infections, diarrhea, and skin conditions are increasing, primarily among children.

The FAO, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO intend to ramp up their efforts, but their ability to act is limited by import barriers, restricted access, and serious funding shortages. These constraints are hampering the delivery of crucial services related to food security, nutrition, healthcare, water, sanitation, and the restoration of agricultural and livelihood systems.

"Farmers, fishers, and herders in Gaza are prepared to restart food production, but they need urgent access to supplies and funding," said Rein Paulsen, Director of FAO’s Office of Emergencies and Resilience. "The ceasefire has offered a brief chance to deliver these supplies, but only expanded access and sufficient funding will revive local farming and reduce reliance on external help."

"Although famine no longer threatens Gaza’s children, they remain at extreme risk," said Lucia Elmi, UNICEF’s Director of Emergency Operations. "Years of conflict have taken a toll on their physical and mental health. Despite more food being available in markets, many families can’t afford it. Health services are barely operating, water is scarce, and the cold exacerbates the suffering of displaced families. We need ongoing humanitarian support, essential services restored, and above all, lasting peace. Gaza’s children deserve better."

"We’ve shown that famine can be prevented with secure access, adequate resources, and the ability to deliver vital support," said Ross Smith, WFP Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response. "Now is the time to build on this progress. WFP is committed to helping Gaza’s families move from reliance on aid toward enduring stability and self-sufficiency."

"Though the ceasefire allows some recovery, vast damage from two years of conflict remains," noted Altaf Musani, Director of Humanitarian and Disaster Management at WHO. "Only half of Gaza’s health centers are functioning, and even those lack critical equipment and supplies. Many items are delayed due to complex import regulations. Malnutrition, especially in children and women, remains high. WHO is supporting seven treatment centers, but far more is required. Medical resources must be approved and delivered quickly to meet the tremendous health demands."

Call to action

FAO, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO urge the international community and relevant authorities to:

• Ensure continuous, safe, and unrestricted humanitarian and commercial access throughout Gaza;

• Remove barriers preventing the importation of critical supplies, including food, healthcare equipment, and agricultural inputs;

• Dramatically increase funding to support essential services—such as food, nutrition, health, water, sanitation, agriculture, and livelihoods—to halt further decline and begin rebuilding;

• Resume and strengthen local food production systems and supply chains.

These organizations stress that any delay in action could undo the progress made since the ceasefire. Access, resources, and funding must be supplied at scale to stop famine from returning and facilitate Gaza’s transition from survival toward sustainable recovery.