Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
December 19, 2025 Peace and security
The threat of full-scale famine in Gaza has, for now, receded. This was stated by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, commenting on the publication of a new Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report.
Speaking to journalists at UN headquarters in New York, he reported that new data showed that many more people in the enclave now had access to food. According to Guterres, humanitarian agencies are preparing over 1.5 million hot meals daily, and food parcels continue to be distributed throughout the sector.
"Clean water is reaching more communities. Some health facilities have resumed operations," he noted. During the winter storms, UN agencies "immediately provided tents, blankets, clothing, and other assistance."
Continuing threats
The Secretary-General emphasized that the progress achieved was made possible thanks to the "intense work of humanitarian organizations and Member States, as well as expanding cooperation with the Civil-Military Coordination Centre." However, he cautioned that these achievements remain "dangerously fragile."
An estimated 1.6 million people in Gaza—more than 75 percent of the population—will face critical levels of food insecurity. According to the report, no area in the Strip is currently classified as in a state of full-scale famine (IPC Phase 5), but almost the entire enclave remains in a state of emergency (IPC Phase 4).
Malnutrition remains a serious problem, particularly among children and pregnant and lactating women. By mid-October 2026, nearly 101,000 children aged six months to five years are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition, including more than 31,000 severe cases. An estimated 37,000 pregnant and lactating women will also require treatment.
"My heart breaks when I see the scale of the ongoing human suffering in Gaza," Guterres said. He noted that children are forced to sleep in flooded tents, and buildings "already devastated by bombing are collapsing under the weight of rain and wind, claiming civilian lives."
The UN chief noted that in more than half of Gaza, where Israeli troops remain, "agricultural land and entire neighborhoods remain inaccessible." Attacks and fighting continue, resulting in rising civilian casualties and placing humanitarian teams at serious risk.
UN support
Guterres recalled that since October, the UN has done "everything possible to maintain vital aid channels": supporting bakeries, delivering millions of meals, reopening feeding centers, rebuilding hospitals, vaccinating children, clearing rubble, and repairing water pipes. However, he emphasized, the need for aid is growing faster than it is being delivered.
In this regard, the Secretary-General stated: “We need a truly sustainable ceasefire.” He also called for the opening of additional crossing points, the lifting of restrictions on the import of critical goods, the removal of bureaucratic obstacles, the provision of safe routes within Gaza, stable funding, and “unimpeded access –including for NGOs".
International law
Guterres specifically noted the "rapidly deteriorating situation in the West Bank," where Palestinians are facing "escalating violence by Israeli settlers, land seizures, home demolitions, and tightening restrictions on movement." He said tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes following Israeli operations in the northern West Bank.
He stressed that international law must be respected throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. The Secretary-General recalled the provisional measures of the International Court of Justice andAdvisory Opinion of the Court of 22 October 2025 year, according to which Israel “is obligated to permit and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance, to cooperate with the United Nations in the fulfillment of its mandates, and to respect the privileges and immunities of the UN and its personnel, including in time of armed conflict.”
Guterres reiterated his support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), stressing that the agency "plays an indispensable role in providing services to Palestinians – in Gaza and elsewhere in the region."
In conclusion, he stated: "This is a crisis created by human decisions. It can be resolved by human choices—if there is the political will to act." The Secretary-General called for full implementation of the ceasefire, an end to the "endless cycle of violence," and clearing the way for a two-state solution.
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