Gaza ⁤Food Crisis Deepens, UN Warns of Starvation‍ Risk

⁣ ⁣ Updated ‍june 05, 2025

The Food and Agriculture Association (FAO) ⁣warns that ‍the ⁢average person in Gaza now receives⁤ only about 1,400 calories per day, a mere 67% of the 2,300 ‍calories‍ needed for survival. This stark figure, current⁣ as of May, underscores ⁤a ⁤rapidly escalating Gaza food crisis.

FAO data indicates that between October 2023 ⁣and the end⁤ of December 2024, the average daily intake was just ⁢1,510 calories, or 72% of the recommended minimum.

The FAO asserted that these findings reveal “systemic and escalating violations of‍ both international human rights law and international humanitarian law,” especially concerning adequate food,⁣ the prohibition of starvation as a method of warfare, and ⁣the protection of civilians during conflict. The acute hunger situation is further compounded by shortages of essential ‍items like wheat flour, pulses, rice, dairy, and vegetable oil.

Even under the most optimistic scenarios, the UN agency‍ estimates that energy intake was a mere 1,470 calories‍ per person daily on May 11, ⁤coinciding with a complete aid blockade‍ imposed by Israel starting March 2.

The FAO emphasized the ‍critical implications for hunger and undernutrition, especially for families lacking cash or able-bodied men, as well as⁤ children, pregnant and lactating women, people with disabilities, and the elderly. Without improved aid access, the already dire humanitarian situation could worsen, ‍impacting food security and overall well-being.

The⁢ United Nations, including‍ the Secretary-General, has repeatedly urged Israel to allow more aid ⁤into Gaza, in accordance with “binding ⁢orders” from the International Court of Justice. These orders mandate full cooperation ‍with the UN to ensure aid reaches the population without delay, addressing the Gaza food crisis.

Gaza’s population is now approximately 2.1 million, down from 2.23 million in October‍ 2023. Citing Palestinian authorities, the FAO reports that 52,400 Palestinians have been reported killed as of April⁣ 30, with another 11,000 feared missing, presumed to be under rubble.

While over 60,000 children have been born in Gaza during the conflict, the FAO notes⁣ that “an unknown ⁤number of Palestinians have died of natural causes or indirectly from the conflict,⁤ due to ‍hunger, untreated diseases or injuries since October ‍2023.”

The agency also referenced a June 2024 article in The ⁤Lancet, suggesting that up to 186,000 people⁣ could die ⁣from indirect causes due to the conflict, ‍estimating four indirect deaths for ⁤every direct death.

According to⁢ FAO simulations, delivering 2,100 calories per person per day to the entire Gazan ⁣population requires 2,297 tonnes of food daily, equivalent to 120⁢ trucks. However, on a recent Wednesday, UN teams requested access for 130 truckloads of aid via kerem Shalom, but only 50⁤ trucks carrying flour were approved to enter from Israel.

What’s‍ next

The FAO stresses ‍that without a significant increase in aid entering Gaza, the humanitarian situation will deteriorate further, leading to increased starvation and mortality. The UN continues to press for ⁣greater access and adherence to international law⁤ to⁢ alleviate the crisis.