Israel Challenges UN-Backed Report on Gaza Famine, Citing Increased Aid and Disputed Data
JERUSALEM — Israeli officials have strongly criticized a recent report from the United Nations-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) that assessed famine conditions in the Gaza Strip, calling the findings “biased” and disconnected from actual aid flows and local data. The IPC had previously declared famine conditions in parts of Gaza earlier this year but now reports that approximately 1.6 million Gazans face “high levels of acute food insecurity.”
Maj. Gen. Ghassan Alian of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), which manages Israeli civilian affairs in Gaza, condemned the IPC’s latest assessment. He asserted that the report “disregard[s] the volumes of food that entered during the ceasefire,” suggesting the conclusions were “predetermined.” COGAT’s statement emphasized that this was not the first time IPC reports on Gaza included “extreme forecasts and warnings that do not materialize in practice.” The agency cautioned the international community to avoid endorsing what it described as “false narratives and distorted information.”
The IPC’s Famine Review Committee (FRC) acknowledged in its latest report that following the previous famine declaration, there was a partial easing of the blockade on Gaza, which led to increased availability of food and essential supplies. The report noted that while this relief came too late to prevent famine in Gaza Governorate during July and early August, the spread of famine to other areas has since been averted.
However, Israeli officials and some independent experts remain skeptical. Dr. David Adesnik, vice president of research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Fox News Digital that mortality figures in Gaza, while concerning, did not reach levels typical of famine. He also pointed out that prices for key food items remained relatively stable or even declined during the period when famine was alleged.
Humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza have been significant in recent months. For example, the United States-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has distributed substantial food supplies within the territory, and international partners, including Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, have conducted food airdrops to alleviate shortages. These efforts are documented by agencies such as the United Nations and the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Despite these developments, the IPC continues to highlight the precarious food security situation facing many Gazans. The organization’s assessments are based on a range of data, including market trends, food availability, and health indicators. Nevertheless, Israel’s COGAT insists that the IPC’s methodology and data interpretation are flawed and that the report ignores verified facts on the ground.
The controversy over Gaza’s food security underscores the broader challenges of humanitarian access and information transparency in conflict zones. The Israeli government maintains strict controls on goods entering Gaza, citing security concerns, while international organizations advocate for easing restrictions to prevent further deterioration of living conditions.
As the debate continues, the international community is urged to carefully evaluate all evidence and ensure that aid efforts are both effective and accurately represented. The World Health Organization and other global bodies continue to monitor health and nutrition indicators in Gaza to provide impartial assessments.
With tensions remaining high and humanitarian needs pressing, the discourse around Gaza’s food security remains a critical issue for policymakers, aid organizations, and the populations affected.
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