UK Condemns Gaza Famine as Man-Made Crisis

A famine has been officially declared in Gaza City and surrounding areas by the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), marking one of the most severe humanitarian emergencies in recent decades. The IPC, a global authority on food insecurity, confirmed that the situation in Gaza meets the three strict thresholds for famine: widespread food deprivation, acute malnutrition among children, and rising mortality linked to starvation.

The declaration highlights the scale of the crisis in Gaza City, which has endured months of conflict, shortages of essential supplies, and restrictions on humanitarian access. Aid officials warn that conditions could worsen in nearby areas including Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis, where limited data suggests similar patterns of extreme food insecurity. Northern Gaza is also believed to be facing catastrophic circumstances, though assessments remain incomplete due to ongoing hostilities.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the development, describing it as “utterly horrifying” and “wholly preventable.” In an official statement, he criticised restrictions on aid deliveries, calling the situation a “man-made catastrophe” and a “moral outrage.” He urged Israeli authorities to allow the immediate and unhindered flow of food, medical supplies, and fuel into Gaza, and called for military operations in the city to cease so humanitarian agencies can respond effectively.

Lammy reiterated the UK government’s position in support of a permanent ceasefire, stressing that it remains the only viable path to ease civilian suffering and enable increased humanitarian relief. He added that Britain would continue to work with international partners and UN agencies to press for expanded access and rapid aid delivery.

The IPC famine declaration is rare and carries significant weight. Since its inception in 2004, the IPC has only made a handful of famine classifications worldwide. International organisations including UNICEF, the World Food Programme, the World Health Organization, and the Food and Agriculture Organization have echoed calls for urgent action, warning that without immediate large-scale intervention, death rates in Gaza could rise dramatically.

Israel has disputed the IPC’s findings, questioning the methodology used to classify the crisis and alleging bias in the report. Despite this rejection, humanitarian groups maintain that the evidence of extreme food insecurity and high levels of child malnutrition is overwhelming.

The famine declaration marks a turning point in Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, intensifying global pressure for immediate action. Aid agencies are urging all parties to prioritise civilian protection and ensure unimpeded delivery of life-saving supplies. Without swift intervention, the consequences for Gaza’s population, particularly children, could be catastrophic.