A global hunger monitor has declared famine in the northern Gaza Strip for the first time since the outbreak of war in October 2023. The report estimates that nearly a quarter of Gaza's population, over half a million people, are experiencing catastrophic hunger, with numbers expected to rise further in the coming months. The famine determination cites fighting, aid blockades, displacement, and the collapse of food production as key drivers of the crisis. Israel has strongly rejected the findings, accusing the report of bias and methodological flaws, and highlighting recent efforts to increase aid deliveries. Despite some improvements, aid groups warn that the current levels of assistance remain far below what is needed to address the escalating humanitarian emergency.