On the 22nd, the United Nations officially declared that Gaza has fallen into famine, marking the first such case in the Middle East. UN experts say that about 500,000 people are facing 'catastrophic' hunger.
According to AFP, the head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Fletcher, stated that this famine was entirely preventable. However, due to 'systematic obstructions by Israel,' food cannot be delivered into Gaza.
UN agencies have been warning for months that the humanitarian situation in Palestinian areas continues to deteriorate.
The 'Integrated Food Security Phase Classification' (IPC) team stated in its latest report on the 22nd that there is credible evidence that, starting from August 15, 2025, Gaza province (Gaza City) has been confirmed to be in a state of famine (IPC Phase 5). Gaza City accounts for about 20% of the area of the Gaza Strip.
It is expected that by the end of September, the famine will expand to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis, meaning that about two-thirds of the Gaza Strip will fall into famine.
The report says: 'After 22 months of relentless conflict, more than 500,000 people in the Gaza Strip are facing catastrophic conditions characterized by hunger, poverty, and death.'
After UN agencies released the report confirming the occurrence of famine in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu issued a statement on the 22nd, calling the report a 'complete lie,' and asserting that Israel has not implemented any policy causing famine.
Netanyahu's statement said that the investigation for the report was mainly based on some data provided by Hamas, which were erroneous and biased, and ignored recent aid distribution activities led by Israel.
● Israeli Media: Gaza City Offensive Expected to Begin Mid-September
On the evening of the 22nd, Israel's Channel 12 Television, citing multiple informed officials, reported that the Israeli military's offensive against Gaza City is expected to begin in mid-September. Negotiations surrounding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of detained personnel are expected to resume next week.
The report said that reservists called up for the implementation of the Gaza City takeover plan will report for duty on September 2. The Israeli military could issue 'evacuation notices' as soon as August 24 to the approximately 1 million Palestinians currently in Gaza City.
The report analyzes that Prime Minister Netanyahu and other senior government officials are seeking to launch the offensive on Gaza City as soon as possible, while the military wants to first take measures to ensure the safety of detained personnel and Israeli soldiers during the operation, evacuate Palestinians from the city, and ensure that the offensive on Gaza City has 'international legitimacy.'