The world's leading authority on food crises says the Gaza Strip’s largest city is gripped by famine, and that it is likely to spread without an immediate ceasefire and an end to restrictions on humanitarian aid. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, said Friday famine is occurring in Gaza City and could spread south to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis by the end of next month. The IPC determination comes after months of warnings by aid groups that Israel’s restrictions of food and other aid into Gaza, and its military offensive, were causing high levels of starvation among Palestinian civilians, particularly children. The grim milestone is sure to ramp up international pressure on Israel.
