A humanitarian report warns that essential supplies in Gaza are either depleted or expected to run out in the coming weeks, leaving the entire population facing acute food insecurity.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) estimated that one in five people—500,000—are at risk of starvation.
Basic goods have seen drastic price spikes, with the cost of a 25-kilogram sack of wheat flour rising between $235 and $520, a 3,000 percent increase since February.
The IPC cautioned that a prolonged military operation and continued humanitarian blockade could critically restrict access to life-saving supplies and services.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the findings, noting that most children are now experiencing extreme hunger.
The World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF reported worsening malnutrition since March 2, when humanitarian aid was blocked from entering Gaza.
WFP chief Cindy McCain warned that families are starving while food remains stuck at the border.
“If we wait until after a famine is confirmed, it will already be too late for many people,” she said, urging immediate international action.
Aid groups in Gaza reported that hot meal distributions are rapidly declining, with only 260,000 meals provided today, down 70 percent from 840,000 last Wednesday.