Why in the news?

• The United Nations declared an official famine in Gaza, the first such declaration in West Asia.

Famine Declaration in Gaza

• What is it?
  • A famine declaration is a formal classification issued by the UN and humanitarian partners using the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) framework.
  • Its purpose is to signal a catastrophic level of food insecurity, necessitating immediate global intervention.
  • The declaration was attributed to systematic obstruction of humanitarian aid, particularly a blockade enforced by Israel.
• Threshold for Famine Declaration: IPC declares a famine when the following three conditions are met – 
  • Extreme food shortages affect at least 20% of households.
  • Acute malnutrition impacts over 30% of children.
  • The mortality rate exceeds 2 deaths per 10,000 people per day – specifically from starvation or malnutrition.
• Significance of the Declaration:
  • Mobilises Global Attention: Acts as a powerful alarm, prompting international humanitarian response.
  • Unlocks Aid and Funding: Enables rapid mobilisation of international funding and relief efforts.
  • Legal and Moral Leverage: Supports calls for ceasefires, ensures establishment of humanitarian corridors, and reinforces accountability under international humanitarian law.