The Israeli government and opposition leaders on Friday rejected new claims from the United Nations that “famine” has struck northern Gaza, dismissing the report as based on flawed data and Hamas-linked sources. The UN cited a report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), which Israel condemned for relying on biased information.
According to the IPC report, an estimated 514,000 people in Gaza are facing famine, with that number projected to rise to 641,000 by the end of September. UN Secretary-General António Guterres seized on the report to renew calls for an “immediate ceasefire,” drawing criticism from Israeli leaders who accused the UN of promoting a political agenda.
Israeli officials, including the Coordinator for Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), rejected the IPC’s findings. COGAT stated that the report “is based on biased and self-interested sources originating from Hamas.” The Defense Ministry emphasized that Israel continues to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and does not prevent food and medical supplies from reaching civilians.
Opposition leader Benny Gantz, a former IDF Chief and Defense Minister, also condemned the famine claim. “Israel has never adopted the policy or even enabled the practice of purposeful starvation,” Gantz posted. He further accused the UN of operating with a political bias and ignoring verifiable data. Gantz endorsed the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which has delivered over 130 million meals to Gaza using U.S. funds, Israeli logistical support, and private security.
Israeli leaders have repeatedly stated that any starvation claims are misleading, often involving children with pre-existing health conditions rather than malnutrition. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously threatened legal action against the New York Times over allegations of deliberate starvation tactics.
Reports also indicate the UN has rejected coordination with the GHF, one of the most effective channels of aid into Gaza. A recent exchange between a UN official and a reporter suggested the organization is more interested in maintaining its own control over aid distribution than ensuring food reaches civilians through reliable partners.
Israeli authorities argue that the only people truly starving in Gaza are the Israeli hostages still held by Hamas, some since the terror group’s October 7, 2023 invasion.
