UN Secretary-General – on famine in Gaza

22 August 2025

Just when it seems there are no words left to describe the living hell in Gaza, a new one has been added: “famine”.

This is not a mystery — it is a man-made disaster, a moral indictment, and a failure of humanity itself. Famine is not only about food; it is the deliberate collapse of the systems needed for human survival. People are starving. Children are dying. And those with the duty to act are failing. As the occupying power, Israel has unequivocal obligations under international law – including the duty of ensuring food and medical supplies of the population. We cannot allow this situation to continue with impunity.

No more excuses. The time for action is not tomorrow — it is now. We need an immediate ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages, and full, unfettered humanitarian access.

Read more about this topic:

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