Israel Rejects UN Hunger Report on Gaza, Citing Political Bias and Hamas Obstruction
A new report by the International Food Security organization IPC paints a bleak picture of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, stating that despite a ceasefire in October 2025, conditions remain "very fragile." The report highlights that between April and June, approximately 1.2 million people in Gaza, about 59% of the population surveyed, suffered from severe food insecurity. IPC projects this number will rise to over 1.4 million, or 67% of Gaza's population, by the end of 2026. The report also warns that around 74,200 children under five and tens of thousands of pregnant and breastfeeding women are expected to suffer from severe malnutrition by April 2027 if aid disruptions continue. IPC calls for a permanent ceasefire and restoration of livelihoods to address these risks.
In response, Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) strongly rejects the IPC report, accusing it of political bias, flawed methodology, and ignoring official data provided by Israel. COGAT claims the report serves Hamas propaganda by ignoring facts and failing to consult Israeli authorities before publication. Israel points to a recent comprehensive report based on UN and international data showing stable or improved humanitarian conditions during the ceasefire period.
According to Israeli data, since the ceasefire began, about 1.8 million tons of food have entered Gaza, three times the amount required by the UN World Food Programme, leading to a 72% drop in local food prices. Water and sanitation supplies exceed international standards, with over 70,000 cubic meters of water delivered daily. Medical supplies exceeding 18,000 tons have increased hospital bed capacity by 55%. Israel emphasizes that Hamas remains the main obstacle by controlling aid, exploiting humanitarian channels for military purposes, and refusing to disarm.
The dispute underscores ongoing tensions over Gaza's humanitarian crisis, with Israel attributing difficulties to Hamas's actions, while international bodies warn of worsening food insecurity and malnutrition risks. The situation remains critical as aid agencies call for sustained ceasefire and reconstruction efforts to prevent further deterioration.
