UN warns of catastrophic decline in living conditions in Gaza

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned on Monday of an unprecedented and catastrophic decline in living conditions in the Gaza Strip, stressing that the threat of famine looms over hundreds of thousands of residents amid a continuing blockade and severe shortages of essential supplies.

According to the Palestinian News and Information Agency (WAFA), OCHA stated that humanitarian indicators have reached alarming levels, with 67% of Gaza’s population now suffering from acute food insecurity and struggling daily to secure even a single basic meal.

The UN report released today indicated that 10% of Gaza’s residents have already reached the brink of actual famine, the stage immediately preceding an official famine declaration (Phase 5 under the global food security classification).

The report attributed this severe collapse to the halt in regular humanitarian aid deliveries, the breakdown of local supply chains, and a sharp shortfall in funding for international relief operations.

OCHA concluded its report by warning that the coming hours are critical to prevent a mass catastrophe, calling for the immediate and full opening of crossings and the establishment of safe, sustained corridors for food and medical supplies before it is too late.