Foreign Secretary David Lammy has described the declaration of famine in Gaza City as “utterly horrifying” as he accused the Israeli government of causing a “man-made catastrophe”.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) said on Friday that famine is occurring in Gaza City and could spread further south.
It comes after weeks of warnings by aid groups that restrictions on aid were leading to starvation among Palestinians.
Famine Review Committee Alert❗
— The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (@theIPCinfo) August 22, 2025
The Famine Review Committee (FRC) has determined that #Famine is currently occurring in Gaza Governorate. Furthermore, the FRC projects Famine thresholds to be crossed in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis Governorates in the coming weeks.
As this… pic.twitter.com/5sic423qge
In a statement on Friday afternoon, Mr Lammy said: “The confirmation of famine in Gaza City and the surrounding neighbourhood is utterly horrifying and is wholly preventable.
“The Israeli government’s refusal to allow sufficient aid into Gaza has caused this man-made catastrophe. This is a moral outrage.
“The IPC (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification) report makes clear the sickening consequences, especially for children.
“The government of Israel can and must immediately act to stop the situation deteriorating any further.
“It must immediately and sustainably allow unhindered food, medical supplies, fuel, and all types of aid to reach those who so desperately need them.”
It is the first time that the IPC has confirmed a famine in the Middle East.
“Months of warnings have fallen on deaf ears.#famine is now confirmed in #Gaza city.
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) August 22, 2025
This is starvation by design and manmade by the Government of Israel.
It is the direct result of banning food and other basic supplies for months including from UNRWA.
The spread of famine… pic.twitter.com/V0yIm4ELpl
The IPC report said that more than half a million people in Gaza face catastrophic levels of hunger, and many are at risk of dying from malnutrition-related causes.
Mr Lammy also repeated calls for “an immediate ceasefire, to enable aid delivery at maximum speed and at the scale required”, including a halt to military operations in Gaza City.
He added: “The UK reiterates its condemnation of this military action, which will only worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian situation and endanger the lives of the hostages held by Hamas. We urge the Israeli government to change course and halt its plans.
“This terrible conflict must end. An immediate and permanent ceasefire is the only way to stop the suffering, secure the release of the hostages, achieve a surge in aid and deliver a framework for lasting peace.”
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