Translated with AI
The threat of full-scale famine in the Gaza Strip has receded for now, but the humanitarian situation in the region remains extremely dire. This was stated by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, commenting on the publication of a new Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report.
Speaking to journalists at the UN headquarters in New York, he noted that new data shows that more residents in the enclave have access to food. He added that humanitarian agencies are preparing over 1.5 million hot meals daily, and food parcels continue to be delivered throughout the Strip.
"Clean water is reaching more communities. Some health facilities have resumed operations," he added, emphasizing that during the winter storms, UN agencies immediately provided tents, blankets, clothing, and other assistance.
The Secretary-General emphasized that the progress achieved was made possible by the intensive work of humanitarian organizations and Member States, as well as by expanding cooperation with the Civil-Military Coordination Centre. However, he cautioned that these achievements remain "dangerously fragile."
An estimated 1.6 million people in Gaza—more than 75 percent of the population—face critical levels of food insecurity. Currently, no area in the Strip is classified as in a state of full-scale famine (IPC Phase 5), but almost the entire enclave remains in a state of emergency (IPC Phase 4).
Malnutrition remains a serious problem, particularly among children and pregnant and lactating women. By mid-October 2026, nearly 101,000 children aged six months to five years are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition, including more than 31,000 severe cases. Approximately 37,000 pregnant and lactating women will also require treatment.
"My heart breaks when I see the scale of the ongoing human suffering in Gaza," Guterres said. He noted that children are forced to sleep in flooded tents, and buildings already damaged by bombing are collapsing under the weight of rain and wind, claiming civilian lives.
The UN chief emphasized that in more than half of Gaza, where Israeli troops remain, agricultural land and entire neighborhoods remain inaccessible. Attacks and fighting continue, resulting in rising civilian casualties and placing humanitarian teams at serious risk.
Guterres recalled that since October, the UN has done everything possible to maintain vital aid channels: supporting bakeries, delivering millions of meals, reopening feeding centers, rebuilding hospitals, vaccinating children, clearing rubble, and repairing water pipes. However, aid needs are growing faster than the aid is being delivered.
The Secretary-General called for a sustainable ceasefire and called for the opening of additional crossing points, the lifting of restrictions on the entry of critical goods, the removal of bureaucratic obstacles, the provision of safe routes within Gaza, stable funding, and unimpeded access, including for NGOs.
He also drew attention to the rapidly deteriorating situation in the West Bank, where Palestinians are facing escalating violence from Israeli settlers, land seizures, home demolitions, and tightening restrictions on movement. He said tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes following Israeli operations in the northern West Bank.
Guterres stressed the need to respect international law throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and recalled the provisional measures of the International Court of Justice and the Court's advisory opinion of 22 October 2025, according to which Israel is obliged to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance and cooperate with the UN in the implementation of its mandates, and respect the privileges and immunities of the organization and its personnel.
The Secretary-General reiterated his support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), noting the agency's indispensable role in providing services to Palestinians in Gaza and other parts of the region.
In conclusion, he stated that the crisis in the region is caused by human decisions and can be resolved with political will, calling for the full implementation of the ceasefire, an end to the endless cycle of violence and the creation of conditions for the process of forming two states.
