'Our children are dying slowly': Gaza father searches for food
Small children, squashed at the front, are in tears. One of them holds up a plastic basin hoping for some ladles of soup. Haw pushes forward in the scrum until he receives his share.
Haw does this every day because he fears his children are starving. He sets out through the ruins of Jabalia in northern Gaza in search of food, waiting in panicked crowds for up to six hours to get barely enough to feed his family.
Some days he gets lucky and can find lentil soup. Other days he returns empty-handed.
'I have a sick daughter. I can't provide her with anything. There is no bread, there is nothing,' said Haw, 39. 'I'm here since eight in the morning, just to get one plate for six people while it is not enough for one person.'
Israel has blocked the entry of medical, food and fuel supplies into Gaza since the start of March, prompting international experts to warn of looming famine in the besieged enclave that is home to 2.3-million Palestinians.
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Famine's shadow over Gaza: How children are bearing the brunt of the humanitarian crisis
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The IPC report stated the entire population of Gaza is facing high levels of acute food insecurity, with half a million people (one in five) facing starvation. The IPC's report on food insecurity from 11 May to 30 September 2025 indicates that the entire population is in an Emergency situation (IPC Phase 4). Most of the population is expected to experience Crisis levels of food insecurity or worse (IPC Phase 3 or higher). This includes: 470,000 people (22%) in Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) in Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) Over 1 million people (54%) in Emergency (IPC Phase 4) Half a million people (24%) in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) From 1 April to 10 May 2025, 1.95 million people (93%) were classified as facing Crisis levels or worse (IPC Phase 3 or higher). This group includes 244,000 people (12%) in Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) and 925,000 people (44%) in Emergency (IPC Phase 4). 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Political considerations: There is a perception that political considerations, influenced by the US administration, override professional imperatives within the UN system, with fear of punitive actions like sanctions or defunding. Only immediate and sustained cessation of hostilities and the resumption of humanitarian aid delivery can prevent a descent into Famine. The UN has outlined several critical recommendations to address the humanitarian crisis: End Hostilities: An immediate, unconditional, and sustained ceasefire is essential to reduce the risk of famine and alleviate catastrophic suffering. Ensure Humanitarian Access: Unhindered and safe access for humanitarian aid must be guaranteed to deliver lifesaving, multi-sectoral assistance at scale. This includes food, healthcare, water and sanitation (WASH), essential non-food items, fuel, and cooking gas. 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