UN official says Gaza no longer in famine phase but humanitarian crisis persists

A United Nations official told the council that Gaza is no longer classified as being in famine IPC phase five but remains in a severe crisis, and urged sustained international action to address urgent shortages of shelter, clean water, healthcare and education.

"Gaza is no longer currently classified as being in famine IPC phase five," the UN official said, adding that the territory "remains in severe crisis IPC phase four." The official framed the update as the start of a renewed push from reporting to urgent action under UNSCR 2803.

The official also gave specific logistics figures to illustrate recent aid flows. "We've done more than deliver food. 21,000 truckloads, an average of 108 each day, were collected by the UN and our partners," the official said, calling that a "72% increase from before the ceasefire." The statement did not specify the precise baseline period for the 72 percent figure.

The address warned that global attention had shifted to other diplomatic developments, saying, "The agreement between the United States and Iran and the hopes for an urgent and vital ceasefire in Lebanon should retain this Council's sustained attention to the reality in Gaza and to the patient, courageous work that lies ahead." The speaker urged the council not to let other crises divert focus from Gaza's humanitarian needs.

Outlining what diplomatic implementation of UNSCR 2803 should include, the UN official said: "Diplomacy requires your full, unified weight to implement UNSCR 2803, including a genuine ceasefire, the disarmament of Hamas, and civilian leadership in Gaza." The official emphasized guiding principles of international law and UN resolutions and reiterated support for a two-state solution "that delivers security, justice, and opportunity."

The statement concluded by invoking the shared aspiration of peoples in the region to live together in safety and dignity and by pressing the council to sustain attention and follow-through on the named priorities. No formal vote or motion was announced during the statement.