Gaza faces deepening humanitarian crisis with millions at risk of famine

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, described the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza during visits to Italy in early July. He noted that while some food is now available, the Strip suffers from a total lack of infrastructure: residents live in tents amid open sewers, face severe hygiene problems, and endure a rat infestation. Schools and hospitals are largely non‑functional, with only about thirty partial medical facilities operating, and children require extensive psychological support. Plans are under way to rebuild a school that can provide education up to the secondary level.

An analysis by the FAO, cited in a December 2025 report, warns that Gaza remains in the emergency phase of food insecurity (IPC Phase 4) with no areas yet classified as famine (Phase 5). Approximately 1.6 million people are projected to remain in crisis conditions through April 2026. By October 2026, more than 101 000 children under five are expected to need treatment for acute malnutrition, including over 31 000 in severe form, while around 37 000 pregnant or lactating women will require nutritional assistance. Movement restrictions continue to hamper agricultural, fishing and livestock activities, further threatening livelihoods.