UN Human Rights Chief says Gaza Governorate famine is direct result of Israeli Government actions

22 August 2025

Press releases | Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

The famine declared today in Gaza Governorate by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) is the direct result of actions taken by the Israeli Government. It has unlawfully restricted the entry and distribution of humanitarian assistance and other goods necessary for the survival of the civilian population in the Gaza strip.

We have already seen deaths from starvation and malnutrition across the strip. The Israeli military has destroyed critical civilian infrastructure and almost all agricultural land, banned fishing, and forcibly displaced the population – all drivers of this famine.

It is a war crime to use starvation as a method of warfare, and the resulting deaths may also amount to the war crime of willful killing. Israeli authorities must take immediate steps to end the famine in the Gaza Governorate and prevent further loss of life across the Gaza strip. They must ensure immediate entry of humanitarian assistance in sufficient amounts, and full access to UN and other humanitarian organisations.

Read more about this topic:

• • UN Secretary-General – on famine in Gaza
  • Famine confirmed for first time in Gaza – Joint Press Release by FAO, UNICEF, WHO, and WFP
  • UN Relief Chief says Gaza famine “must spur the world to urgent action”
  • UNRWA Commissioner-General on Gaza: Famine is now confirmed in Gaza City
  • Gaza: Famine “irrefutably” confirmed, UN humanitarians unite in plea for aid access – OCHA, OHCHR, WFP and WHO
  • WFP: As famine grips Gaza, families turn to desperate measures to survive
  • UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory on famine in Gaza