UN warns hunger remains 'widespread and severe' in Gaza despite ceasefire
The UN warned that hunger remains widespread and severe across the Gaza Strip, with 2.1 million people confined to less than half of the territory, limiting access to farmland and food supplies. The UN spokesman acknowledged limited results from daily appeals to Israeli and American counterparts.
The UN on Wednesday warned that hunger remains widespread and severe across the Gaza Strip, with millions struggling to access adequate food despite ongoing humanitarian efforts. Speaking to reporters, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric cited OCHA data estimating that 2.1 million people in Gaza are now confined to less than half of the territory, limiting access to farmland, food supplies, and essential services.
Movement restrictions
"People are unable to access parts of Gaza where land reserves and critical facilities, such as solid waste landfills, are present. They are also unable to travel abroad or access the West Bank, where services such as specialized health care are available to them. People who are allowed to exit as part of medical evacuations represent a tiny fraction of those who need services that are unavailable on a daily basis in Gaza," he said.
Food assistance
Citing the World Food Programme (WFP), Dujarric said more than 1.6 million people receive food parcels, hot meals, bread, or cash assistance each month. Humanitarian partners provide roughly 1.1 million meals daily through more than 120 community kitchens. "Yet, more than six months since the declaration of a ceasefire, WFP said hunger hasn't disappeared, noting high malnutrition levels. One in five families eats only one meal every day."
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Limited results
Responding to Anadolu's question, Dujarric acknowledged limited results from repeated warnings. "We hope that others besides you hear us. These are issues we've raised with the Israeli parties on a daily basis. We've also raised them with American counterparts. The bottom line is there hasn't been much positive movement on that. We don't control the system. Our colleagues see with their own eyes exactly where the situation is. They know what's needed, and we're just not getting it."
Gaza war context
Israel launched a war on Gaza in October 2023, killing more than 72,000 Palestinians. Despite a ceasefire since Oct. 10, 2025, Israel has continued deadly attacks and a blockade, killing 837 Palestinians and injuring 2,381 others.
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