NEW YORK, SANA – UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday condemned the deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, calling the newly declared famine a “man-made disaster” and “a failure of humanity itself.”
The declaration came from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), which reported “reasonable evidence” that famine has been ongoing in Gaza Governorate — including Gaza City — since August 15.
“Just when it seems there are no words left to describe the living hell in Gaza, a new one has been added: famine,” Guterres said on his official account on X. “This is not a mystery — it is a man-made disaster, a moral indictment, and a failure of humanity itself.”
Guterres stressed that famine is not only about the absence of food, but the collapse of systems vital for survival.
“People are starving. Children are dying, and those with the duty to act are failing,” he said, reminding that Israel, as the occupying power, has clear obligations under international law to ensure food and medical supplies reach civilians.
The UN chief demanded urgent measures:
• An immediate ceasefire
• The release of all hostages
• Full, unrestricted humanitarian access
UN agencies warned that hunger-related deaths and malnutrition are rising at alarming rates, with hundreds of thousands of people going days without food. As by the end of September, projections show:640,000 people will face catastrophic food insecurity (IPC Phase 5), 1.14 million will be in IPC Phase 4 (emergency), and 396,000 will face IPC Phase 3 (crisis).
Conditions in North Gaza are believed to be as dire as in Gaza City, but limited access has prevented a full classification.
UN agencies also expressed grave concern over Israel’s intensified military offensive on Gaza City, warning of “further devastating consequences” for civilians, especially the sick, malnourished children, the elderly, and people with disabilities who may be unable to evacuate.
“The time for action is not tomorrow — it is now,” Guterres urged.
Khadega / BA
