IPC Report – Understanding the Acute Food Insecurity Crisis in Gaza Strip (May-September 2024)

As of mid-2024, around 2.13 million people in the Gaza Strip were living in conditions of acute food insecurity, classified as IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) or worse. This includes nearly343,000 individuals experiencing catastrophic conditions at IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe/Famine).

This distressing scenario reflects the immediate effects of ongoing conflict, restricted humanitarian access, and severe damage to infrastructure. The detailed IPC report is available here.

Projected Food Insecurity

The outlook through September 2024 is even more alarming, with an estimated 2.15 million individuals likely to face similar or worsening conditions. Among them, over 495,000 are expected to endure catastrophic food insecurity. These projections underscore a continued deterioration in living conditions and access to essential resources.

Analytics:

Key Drivers of the Crisis

Sustained hostilities and limited humanitarian access primarily drive the crisis. Specific regions, such as Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah, have seen particularly severe disruptions due to military operations. Over 37,000 fatalities and numerous injuries and displacements exacerbate the dire situation, significantly hindering the delivery of multi-sector humanitarian assistance. The impact on infrastructure is profound; around 60% of all buildings and 70% of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities have been damaged or destroyed, further
diminishing the residents quality of life and increasing disease risk. Recommendations for Action To combat this escalating crisis, the IPC report outlines several critical actions:

•  Humanitarian Assistance: There’s a pressing need to provide extensive humanitarian aid, focusing on health, nutrition, and WASH services and ensuring the continuous delivery of food and medical supplies.
•  Malnutrition Services: It’s vital to offer malnutrition treatment and prevention, especially targeting vulnerable groups such as young children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and the elderly.

Infrastructure and Market Systems: Restoring critical market and food production infrastructure is essential for long-term recovery and sustainability.

Conclusion
The situation in Gaza remains precarious, with a high risk of famine as long as the conflict persists and access remains limited. The IPC’s analysis highlights the urgent need for a coordinated international response to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian
situation. Cessation of hostilities and improving access are imperative to stabilising the region and supporting its beleaguered population.
IPC Report: https://www.ipcinfo.org/ipc-country-analysis/details-map/en/c/1156872/