Gaza food crisis improves but fragile

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reported on July 23, 2026, that food insecurity in Gaza has improved since famine was declared in parts of the territory in August 2025, but conditions remain at crisis levels and gains are fragile. A reduction in fighting and increased aid access since the October 2025 ceasefire have driven improvements, with all five governorates now classified as Phase 3 (crisis) and over 200,000 residents in Phase 4 (emergency). However, 1.4 million people are expected to face acute food insecurity through year-end, up from 1.2 million in mid-2026. The IPC warned that small disruptions could reverse progress, as humanitarian assistance has declined due to funding constraints and uncertainty over Israel's registration rules for international NGOs. Israel's Cognitive Abilities Test rejected the report, citing its own data on aid volumes. The World Bank Group, EU, and UN estimate $35.2 billion in damage to physical infrastructure and $71.4 billion in recovery needs. UNICEF warned of rising child stunting, and the World Food Programme stressed the need for sustained access and funding.