Despite ongoing aid shipments to Gaza following Donald Trump’s ceasefire agreement, some experts are casting doubt on the Integrated Food Security Classification (IPC)’s assessment that famine conditions emerged in Gaza this summer, as well as the organization’s credibility. David Adesnik, from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, noted that starvation is a critical issue, highlighting that the IPC’s definition suggests roughly 9,000 people could have died from hunger-related causes if their claims were accurate. But, he stressed, they lack the data to substantiate such mortality rates.
On August 22, the IPC reported famine in one Gaza governorate, with warnings that two others could face similar outcomes by the end of September. Meanwhile, the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry reported that starvation and malnutrition led to 273 Palestinian deaths as of August 22, a number that rose to 460 by October 7. However, Adesnik remarked that while any loss of life is tragic, accusations of starvation need a solid evidence base.
He argued that while the IPC expects worsening food security, actual food prices have either remained stable or decreased, which seems contradictory. In fact, between late August and mid-September, the World Food Program’s Palestinian Market Monitor showed that prices for a majority of food staples had not changed.
When queried about the hunger situation in Gaza, several organizations, including IPC and FAO, redirected questions without providing direct answers. Criticism arose over whether IPC’s analyses were unbiased since the organization does not disclose the names of the NGOs and agencies involved in its governance structure. There’s a sense that the lack of transparency diminishes trust.
Concerns about aid distribution practices have emerged, particularly regarding reports of looting of UN aid. According to the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), 80.5% of UN trucks have faced interception since mid-May. Adesnik pointed out that such a distribution method may not reach those most in need, as it often favors the strongest individuals during crises.
Kaneko, from OCHA, acknowledged the aid obstruction issue, claiming that a new plan focuses on community-level distribution, which aims to ensure aid reaches the most vulnerable. She emphasized that open crossings and safe movement for aid workers are essential for the success of this initiative.
Since the ceasefire, there are signs that interception rates might be lowering, with UNOPS reporting that over 75% of goods sent to Gaza since May have successfully arrived. However, the OCHA’s humanitarian reports have been scrutinized for omitting figures about deaths near aid distribution sites, raising questions about transparency in reporting.
The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has reportedly provided over 185 million free meals since May, but skepticism persists about its role compared to traditional UN systems. Moreover, recent comments from UNRWA’s Secretary-General claimed there was enough food for the entire population for three months, a statement met with skepticism by several analysts.
Adesnik responded to the UNRWA claims by suggesting that better security cooperation between the UN and Israel could have ensured aid reached those who needed it the most, reiterating the complex dynamics surrounding aid distribution in the region.
