* Action Against Hunger nutrition teams in Gaza are witnessing the highest number of cases of severe acute malnutrition since the beginning of its nutrition programming in 2024, both in pregnant and lactating women and in children under the age of 5.

NEW YORK - The Famine Review Committee (FRC) has officially confirmed famine (IPC Phase 5) in Gaza Governorate, one of the few times such a classification has ever been declared globally. Over half million people in the Gaza Strip are facing catastrophic conditions characterized by starvation, destitution, and death. The crisis is projected to expand to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis by the end of September.

Action Against Hunger teams on the ground are witnessing alarming rates of severe acute malnutrition, especially among children under 5 and pregnant or breastfeeding women. In July and August alone, Action Against Hunger nutrition teams have received more than 400 cases of malnourished children, 20% of them severe.

"Our nutrition teams are witnessing the highest number of severe acute malnutrition cases since we began nutrition operations in Gaza in 2024," said an Action Against Hunger staff member in Deir al-Balah. "Pregnant and breastfeeding women face double the risk: exhausted bodies, harsh hunger, and a severe lack of essential health and nutrition support."

Data from the UN and other INGOs in Gaza reveals that the total number of children under five admitted for acute malnutrition treatment have been surging:

* 5,119 children in May, a 148% increase from February,

* 6,500 children in June, the highest since October 2023, and

* Over 5,000 additional cases in just the first two weeks of July.

The FRC report projects that by June 2026, at least 132,000 children under five will be at risk of death from acute malnutrition, including over 41,000 severe cases.

"It is important to note that many families do not have the resources to arrive at humanitarian nutrition sites to receive treatment. Also, there is a lack of nutrition supplies, hindering the capacity to treat such cases in a timely manner. We also noted that many breastfeeding and pregnant mothers suffer from malnutrition themselves", said an Action Against Hunger staff member in Gaza.

"As a result of nearly two years of continued forcible transfer, airstrikes, and continuous disrupted and little access to food and water, Gaza's entire population has been compelled to rely on humanitarian food aid as a primary source of sustenance, with an increasing number of extreme vulnerability under the mothers and their children that are undernourished", said Vincent Stehli, Action Against Hunger Head of Operations. "The current entry of aid is alarmingly insufficient in the face of widespread and rapidly increasing famine", added Vincent Stehli.

Despite the escalating crisis, humanitarian aid remains severely restricted. Action Against Hunger, like other INGOs, is facing administrative barriers in importing goods, while local food production is nearly impossible. Only 1.5% of Gaza's cropland remains accessible and undamaged, and staple food prices have skyrocketed by 4,000% compared to pre-October 2023 levels. Shelter conditions are dire, and further displacement from Gaza City threatens to worsen the situation.

Action Against Hunger urgently calls for a permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and full, large-scale, and sustained access for humanitarian actors. Only through coordinated and unhindered efforts can we deliver the necessary response to avert further loss of life in Gaza. "An immediate ceasefire and end to the conflict is critical to enabling an unimpeded, large-scale humanitarian response that can save lives. Famine must be stopped now", concluded Vincent Stehli.

Testimonies from Gaza: "When was the last time you had a proper meal?"

"I have a family of seven. The last time we had a real full meal was two weeks ago. It was fish" - Palestinian in Deir al Balah.

"The last time we had a real meal was during the temporary ceasefire. But nowadays we only eat pasta or bread" - Palestinian in Deir al Balah.

"I have two kids and a wife. The last time we had a meal, which was an eggplant salad, was fifteen days ago. It was a blessing. I got eggplant and tahini sauce, and my wife and I made it for all four of us" - Palestinian in Deir al Balah.

About Action Against Hunger's Work in Gaza

Action Against Hunger has worked in Gaza since 2005 and the West Bank since 2002. Since October 2023, we have been delivering humanitarian assistance in Gaza that includes distributing fresh and dry food, hot meals, and hygiene kits; trucking clean water to communities; connecting people with shelters; and providing assistance with solid waste management.

About Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger is a nonprofit leading a global movement to end hunger in our lifetimes. It innovates solutions, advocates for change, and reaches more than 28 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 55 countries, its 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. It strives to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

Spokespersons available. Please contact:

Meredith Whitefield

Head of Communication and Content

mwhitefield@actionagainsthunger.org