Famine in Gaza: The Stages of Hunger and the Fight for Survival
Famine doesn’t arrive all at once. It unfolds in stages, slow, cruel, and devastating. And right now, Gaza is not on the edge of famine. It is living through it.
What Are the 5 Stages of Famine and Where Is Gaza Now?
According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), famine is defined through a five-phase scale:
1. Minimal – Adequate food access, with minimal risk to health.
2. Stressed – Some households begin to face pressure and reduce the quality or quantity of their food.
3. Crisis – Families start to skip meals and sell essential items to survive.
4. Emergency – Widespread food shortages lead to malnutrition, disease, and displacement.
5. Catastrophe/Famine – Starvation becomes widespread. People, especially children, begin to die. In Gaza, 345,000 people are already in Phase 5: Catastrophe. Another 876,000 are in Phase 4, and the rest remain in Crisis. This means the entire population is suffering, and no one is spared.
2. Stressed – Some households begin to face pressure and reduce the quality or quantity of their food.
3. Crisis – Families start to skip meals and sell essential items to survive.
4. Emergency – Widespread food shortages lead to malnutrition, disease, and displacement.
5. Catastrophe/Famine – Starvation becomes widespread. People, especially children, begin to die. In Gaza, 345,000 people are already in Phase 5: Catastrophe. Another 876,000 are in Phase 4, and the rest remain in Crisis. This means the entire population is suffering, and no one is spared.
From Hunger to Starvation: Gaza’s Rapid Decline
At the beginning of 2025, aid organisations projected that over 71,000 children would become acutely malnourished. But the reality has moved faster than the world’s response.
More than 76 children have died from starvation since the full blockade began in March 2025. Many more are collapsing from hunger, unable to access bread, water, or even clean shelter.
How You Can Help
1
Donate Urgent Meals
For as little as $11, you can provide a hot meal to a starving child or family in Gaza. Every meal is a lifeline.
2
Share This Crisis
Help raise awareness about the famine in Gaza. Share this article and encourage others to support.
3
Pray for Gaza
Make du'a for the safety and well-being of all in Gaza. Your prayers are powerful.
Be Part of the Solution
Your support can save lives. Donate, share, and pray for Gaza. Every act of mercy counts.