Fact Check: There isn’t mass starvation in Gaza

Fact Check: "There isn’t mass starvation in Gaza"

What We Know

The situation in Gaza has been dire, with reports indicating that the population is facing severe food shortages and malnutrition. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the ongoing blockade has led to a significant risk of famine, with nearly half a million people currently experiencing acute hunger and malnutrition. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has classified three-quarters of Gaza's population as facing "Emergency" or "Catastrophic" food deprivation, which are the two most severe levels on their scale of food insecurity.

As of May 2025, reports indicate that 57 children have died from malnutrition-related causes since the blockade began on March 2, 2025, and projections suggest that nearly 71,000 children under five could face acute malnutrition in the coming months if conditions do not improve (WHO). Furthermore, the IPC has warned that famine is imminent in northern Gaza, with projections indicating that up to 1.1 million people could face catastrophic conditions by mid-2024 if the blockade continues (IPC).

Analysis

The claim that there isn't mass starvation in Gaza contradicts multiple credible sources. The WHO has explicitly stated that people are "already starving, sick, and dying," highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian aid (WHO). The IPC's analysis further supports this by indicating that the famine threshold for acute food insecurity has already been exceeded, and the situation is expected to worsen without immediate intervention (IPC).

Additionally, the reports from various humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), consistently emphasize the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with food and medical supplies being critically low due to the blockade (UNRWA, OCHA).

While some may argue that a formal declaration of famine has not yet been made, the evidence suggests that the conditions are already catastrophic, and the lack of access to food and medical care is leading to widespread malnutrition and preventable deaths. The reliability of the sources cited, including WHO and IPC, is high, as they are recognized international organizations with expertise in humanitarian crises.

Conclusion

The claim that there isn’t mass starvation in Gaza is False. The overwhelming evidence from reputable sources indicates that a significant portion of the population is facing acute hunger and malnutrition, with many already suffering from starvation-related illnesses. The ongoing blockade and lack of humanitarian access are exacerbating the crisis, leading to a situation that can only be described as catastrophic.

Sources

1. People in Gaza starving, sick and dying as aid blockade continues
2. UNRWA Situation Report #171 on the Humanitarian Crisis
3. The Gaza Starvation Experiment
4. GAZA STRIP: Famine is imminent as 1.1 million people, ...
5. Humanitarian Situation Update #288 | Gaza Strip - OCHA oPt
6. Rising hunger in Gaza highlights urgent need for 'unfettered'
7. UNRWA Situation Report #175 on the Humanitarian Crisis
8. Humanitarian Situation Update #286 | Gaza Strip [EN/AR]