Gaza city: 1.4 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are suffering from acute food insecurity while 74,000 children urgently need treatment for acute malnutrition, according to a recent report. Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief, Samah Hamad, emphasized that although there has been a relative improvement in the humanitarian situation due to ongoing aid, the crisis is far from over. Any reduction in the flow of humanitarian assistance, she warned, could quickly escalate conditions to even more perilous levels.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Minister Hamad made these remarks during a joint press conference organized by the Ministry in collaboration with Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, and Shaun Hughes, WFP Representative and Country Director in Palestine. The conference aimed to present the findings of the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report and assess the humanitarian and living conditions in Gaza.
Minister Hamad highlighted that the Gaza Strip has long exceeded the threshold of a humanitarian catastrophe, with civilians facing systematic deprivation of basic survival needs due to blockades and restrictions on food, water, and medicine. This has led to a collapse in purchasing power, closure of community and soup kitchens, and has turned access to daily meals into a survival struggle. She detailed the dire conditions faced by displaced families, deteriorating essential services, and the severe impact on children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, older individuals, and persons with disabilities.
She further pointed out that the IPC report confirms over 1.4 million Palestinians are experiencing acute food insecurity, while more than 212,000 people are in the Emergency phase. Additionally, 74,200 children require immediate treatment for acute malnutrition, and 24,600 pregnant and breastfeeding women need urgent nutritional support. These figures underscore the fragility of the humanitarian situation despite recent improvements.
Ramiz Alakbarov commended the Palestinian government's efforts in managing the humanitarian response. He stressed that the improvements noted in the IPC report are due to sustained humanitarian aid rather than any genuine recovery. Approximately two-thirds of Gaza's population remains in IPC Phase 3 or higher, with over 200,000 in the Emergency phase. He highlighted the necessity of continuous humanitarian assistance to maintain these limited gains.
Alakbarov also called for the full opening of crossings and the resumption of economic activities to provide lasting solutions. He warned of the long-term impacts of child malnutrition on physical and cognitive development and emphasized the need for nutritional and health support for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Shaun Hughes explained that the IPC report is an independent assessment prepared by experts from over 20 organizations, based on extensive field data. He noted that while indicators show relative improvement, it is a result of sustained humanitarian operations. Since last November, the WFP has reached about 75 percent of Gaza's population monthly with food assistance and cash transfers. He cautioned that any reduction in aid would reverse the progress made, particularly given recent declines in humanitarian coverage and funding challenges.
The press conference concluded with participants urging the international community to ensure the full and sustained opening of crossings, unhindered flow of aid, support for recovery programs, and protection for civilians. They emphasized the importance of providing Palestinians with the opportunity to rebuild their lives and secure their future.