In a draft report released on Monday, the severity of the hunger crisis in northern Gaza has been temporarily alleviated by an influx of aid. However, a leading international authority warns that the entire territory of Gaza remains at "high risk" of famine following Israel's offensive in Rafah. The offensive has resulted in displacement and disrupted aid operations in the south.

According to the report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), nearly the entire population of Gaza, approximately 2.3 million people, is struggling to access sufficient food. Shockingly, over 495,000 individuals, more than a fifth of the population, are expected to face the most severe levels of starvation in the coming months.

Despite efforts to facilitate aid operations, such as the installation of a $230 million U.S.-built pier and repeated airdrops by various countries, aid agencies argue that these measures have been insufficient to meet the vital needs of the population. The ongoing war and restrictions on humanitarian access have impeded data collection to prove the presence of famine, according to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET).

The war in Gaza, which was triggered by Hamas' attack in October, has led to the deaths of more than 37,000 Palestinians, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry. The report does not specify the number of civilian casualties. Additionally, Israel's complete siege on the territory has devastated Gaza's capacity to produce its own food.

While the report noted some improvements in April, when Israel promised to increase aid and opened additional land crossings in the north, the situation quickly deteriorated when ground operations were launched in Rafah in May. The closure of the Rafah crossing with Egypt, along with disruptions at the Kerem Shalom crossing with Israel, has exacerbated the crisis. Furthermore, the air and ground operations have resulted in the displacement of over a million people, who are now living in cramped and unsanitary conditions, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.

The IPC draft report warns that the humanitarian space in Gaza is shrinking, making it increasingly challenging to deliver assistance to the population. It expressed concern that if the negative trajectory continues, the progress made in April could be swiftly reversed. The report specifically highlights the vulnerability of children, particularly those with underlying medical conditions.

Israel claims that it permits hundreds of trucks to enter Gaza through multiple crossings on a regular basis, placing the blame on U.N. agencies for not distributing the aid effectively. In contrast, U.N. agencies and aid groups argue that Israeli restrictions, difficulties in coordinating with the army, and the collapse of law and order have significantly hindered their work. They stress that a complete cease-fire is necessary to adequately address the crisis.

Despite international pressure, including a proposal supported by the United States seeking the release of hostages and a permanent cease-fire, neither Israel nor Hamas has fully embraced the plan. The draft report underscores the dire situation in Gaza, implying that while aid efforts have been increased, they have fallen short of the unfettered access and delivery required by international law.

Jeremy Konyndyk, president of Refugees International and a former official with the U.S. Agency for International Development, expresses concern over the report's findings. He highlights that despite the larger volumes of aid resulting from international pressure on Israel, the situation remains dire. Konyndyk warns that any disruptions to aid flows, as experienced during the ongoing Rafah operation, could result in a loss of progress, however modest and insufficient.

The final version of the IPC report will be released on Tuesday, shedding further light on the desperate situation faced by the people of Gaza.