On Friday, 8 November 2024, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Famine Review issued a grave alert – northern Gaza now faces a “worst-case scenario” for famine, driven by escalating violence, mass displacement orders, a halt to commercial supplies, and a breakdown of social support systems. Immediate action is critical to prevent famine conditions.
“Without an immediate end to the siege and the provision of safe, unrestricted humanitarian access, alongside a steady flow of food supplies through all available crossings, our food parcels can only meet a fraction of the urgent needs,” said Natalia Anguera, Head of Operations for the Middle East at Action Against Hunger. “We urge the international community to understand that declaring a famine goes far beyond indicating extreme hunger. It means that lives are already being lost.”
Since early October 2024, following displacement orders in parts of northern Gaza, over 71,000 people have fled to Gaza City. An estimated 100,000 people remain trapped in the besieged north. According to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the number of aid trucks entering Gaza has fallen to its lowest level since October 2023. Up to 80% of northern marketplaces have been damaged or destroyed, further limiting access to food and essential supplies.
In the last two weeks, Action Against Hunger has distributed over 1,000 dry food parcels to displaced Palestinians in Gaza City, many from Jabalia, Beit Hanoun, and Beit Lahia. “Gaza has become entirely dependent on what comes from outside, especially in the north and Gaza City,” one displaced resident shared with our team. “There’s nothing here. No vegetables, no meat, no chicken, no fruit.”
Our teams continue to work across Gaza, delivering essential nutrition programs, emergency assistance, and clean water to those in need. Since the onset of the current conflict, we have supported over one million people with these vital services.
After more than a year of relentless violence and suffering, particularly in northern Gaza, the international community must act to protect humanitarian access, enforce a lasting ceasefire, ensure the release of hostages, and end the use of starvation as a weapon of war.
Notes to editors
- Action Against Hunger has spokespeople available to speak about the humanitarian impact of the crises in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon. Please contact Jack at j.seal@actionagainsthunger.org.uk to arrange.
- Action Against Hunger is the world’s leading charity stopping life-threatening hunger in its tracks. We are a global leader in emergency response, dedicated to saving lives in times of crisis through food security, health, and nutrition assistance. In 2023, we responded to 47 emergencies across 34 countries, including conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, and natural disasters in Afghanistan and Peru. On the frontlines, we reach the most vulnerable in the hardest-to-reach areas, working with local partners to ensure sustainable support. Our commitment to saving lives is unwavering, no matter the scale or complexity of the emergency.