World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the warning followed a report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification showing no areas in Gaza are currently classified as facing famine.
“This welcome progress remains extremely fragile as the population continues to struggle with massive infrastructure destruction, collapsed livelihoods and local food production, and restrictions to humanitarian operations,” Tedros wrote on X.
He said more than 100,000 children and 37,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are still projected to suffer acute malnutrition through April next year.
Tedros added that only about 50% of Gaza’s health facilities are partially functional and are facing shortages of essential supplies and equipment due to continued constraints on access.
“To scale up life-saving services and expand access to care, WHO calls for the urgent and expedited approval and entry of essential medical supplies, equipment, and prefabricated hospital structures,” he said.
According to the IPC, the absence of famine classifications follows the ceasefire signed in October, which has led to limited improvements in food inflows.
Meanwhile, the IPC warned that despite these developments, the outlook remains grave, with most of Gaza’s population still experiencing high levels of food insecurity after prolonged destruction and disruption.