Mon May 12 12:16:10 UTC 2025: ## Gaza Faces Famine as Israeli Blockade Persists: 500,000 at Risk of Starvation

**GAZA CITY, MAY 13, 2025** – A new report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warns that the ongoing Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip is pushing the entire 2.1 million population to the brink of famine. Half a million people – one in five – are facing starvation, with 93 percent experiencing acute food shortages.

The report, released Monday, paints a grim picture of deteriorating conditions since October. The blockade, now in its 70th day, has completely cut off the flow of essential goods including food, water, and medicine. The IPC warns that unless the blockade ends, the entire population will face crisis-level or worse acute food insecurity. The situation is particularly dire in northern Gaza and Rafah, where widespread acute malnutrition is anticipated.

Authorities in Gaza report at least 57 starvation deaths attributed to the blockade. Food prices have skyrocketed, with wheat flour prices in some areas increasing by a staggering 3,000 percent since February. The report highlights the risk of further mass displacement and civil unrest due to resource scarcity.

The IPC urges immediate action to end the hostilities and allow unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza. The report comes amidst the ongoing conflict that has resulted in the deaths of at least 52,862 Palestinians and the injury of 119,648, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. The October 7, 2023, attacks on southern Israel, which killed an estimated 1,139 Israelis and resulted in more than 200 hostages taken to Gaza, triggered the current crisis. The IPC stresses the need to protect civilians and aid workers, who have been killed in record numbers.

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