Gaza No Longer in Famine but Hunger Levels Remain Critical, UN Says
UN warns that despite avoiding famine, millions in Gaza still face emergency hunger and food insecurity
The United Nations has announced that Gaza is no longer classified as being in famine, a development that offers a measure of relief after months of dire warnings. However, the UN has emphasized that hunger levels across the territory remain critically high, with millions still facing severe food insecurity, malnutrition, and limited access to basic necessities.
The updated assessment highlights both progress and persistent danger, underscoring the fragile humanitarian situation in Gaza as conflict, displacement, and restricted aid access continue to shape daily life for civilians.
Understanding the UN’s Famine Assessment
Famine is classified under strict international criteria, including extreme food shortages, acute malnutrition, and rising mortality rates. According to the UN and its partner agencies, recent increases in humanitarian aid deliveries and limited improvements in food access have helped Gaza move just outside the formal famine threshold.
However, officials stress that “no longer in famine” does not mean safe or stable. Large segments of the population remain on the brink, relying heavily on aid for survival. Any disruption in food supplies could quickly push conditions back into famine territory.
Hunger Remains at Emergency Levels
Despite the technical improvement in classification, hunger in Gaza remains at emergency or catastrophic levels in many areas. Families continue to struggle to secure enough food, clean water, and cooking fuel. Children are among the most affected, with malnutrition posing long-term risks to physical and cognitive development.
The UN has warned that persistent undernourishment could have irreversible consequences, particularly for infants, pregnant women, and the elderly. Aid agencies report that many households are skipping meals, reducing portion sizes, or relying on nutritionally inadequate food just to survive.
The Role of Humanitarian Aid
One of the main factors preventing full-scale famine has been the increase in humanitarian assistance entering Gaza in recent months. Food convoys, emergency nutrition programs, and international relief efforts have helped stabilize conditions to some extent.
However, aid workers caution that access remains inconsistent and insufficient. Security concerns, damaged infrastructure, and bureaucratic obstacles continue to limit the scale and speed of deliveries. In many cases, aid arrives too slowly or does not reach the most vulnerable populations.
The UN has repeatedly called for unrestricted and sustained humanitarian access, warning that temporary improvements cannot replace a stable and reliable supply system.
Displacement and Infrastructure Damage
Widespread displacement has worsened Gaza’s hunger crisis. Millions of residents have been forced from their homes, often multiple times, leaving behind livelihoods, food supplies, and access to markets. Overcrowded shelters and camps struggle to meet basic needs, further straining limited resources.
At the same time, damage to agricultural land, bakeries, water systems, and roads has severely disrupted local food production and distribution. Even when food is available, families often lack the means to store, cook, or safely consume it.
These structural challenges mean that hunger is not just a matter of supply, but of systemic collapse.
Economic Collapse and Rising Poverty
Gaza’s economy has been devastated by prolonged conflict. Unemployment is widespread, incomes have disappeared, and prices for basic goods remain high. For many families, purchasing food is simply impossible without assistance.
The UN has highlighted that food insecurity in Gaza is closely linked to poverty and economic paralysis. Without opportunities to earn a living, households remain dependent on aid, leaving them vulnerable to sudden shortages or funding cuts.
Long-term recovery, experts argue, will require economic stabilization alongside humanitarian relief.
International Response and Ongoing Warnings
The UN’s announcement has prompted renewed calls for international action. While acknowledging the slight improvement, humanitarian officials have warned against complacency. They stress that critical hunger levels demand urgent and continued attention, not reduced aid.
Donor fatigue, geopolitical tensions, and competing global crises threaten to divert resources away from Gaza. The UN has urged governments to maintain funding, expand aid operations, and support measures that protect civilians and essential infrastructure.
Without sustained international engagement, the fragile progress could quickly unravel.
What Comes Next
Looking ahead, the UN has outlined several priorities to prevent a return to famine conditions:
Ensuring consistent and large-scale food deliveries
Expanding nutrition programs for children and vulnerable groups
Restoring water, sanitation, and health services
Supporting early recovery and livelihoods where possible
Aid agencies emphasize that humanitarian assistance alone is not enough. A lasting solution requires stability, protection of civilians, and conditions that allow Gaza’s population to rebuild their lives with dignity.
Conclusion
The UN’s declaration that Gaza is no longer in famine offers a narrow window of hope, but it does not mark the end of the crisis. Hunger remains critical, and millions continue to face daily uncertainty about where their next meal will come from.
This moment serves as a reminder that famine prevention is not a finish line but an ongoing effort. Without sustained aid, access, and international commitment, the progress achieved so far could be lost — with devastating consequences for an already traumatized population.
For Gaza, survival remains fragile, and the need for action remains urgent.
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Japan 40-Year Bond Yield Hits 4% for First Time Since 2007 Debut
Japan’s financial markets are witnessing a historic moment as the yield on the 40-year Japanese government bond (JGB) has surged to 4% for the first time since its debut in 2007. This milestone reflects changing market dynamics, rising global interest rates, and evolving investor sentiment toward Japan’s long-term debt. Economists and market analysts are closely monitoring the implications of this shift, as it could signal broader changes in Japan’s fiscal strategy and economic outlook. Long-term government bonds are crucial indicators of investor confidence and market expectations for future economic conditions. Japan’s 40-year bond was initially introduced in 2007 to provide long-term financing for government projects while giving investors a safe, stable investment option. For years, the yield remained relatively low, reflecting Japan’s long-standing low-interest environment, persistent deflation, and the Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) accommodative monetary policy. However, recent developments in both domestic and global markets have altered the landscape. A combination of rising inflation expectations, global interest rate hikes, and concerns over Japan’s fiscal deficit has driven yields higher. The move to 4% represents a significant increase for a market accustomed to ultra-low borrowing costs and stable yields. The increase in yields has multiple implications. For investors, a 4% return on a 40-year bond is historically attractive and may draw increased attention from pension funds, insurance companies, and long-term savers seeking fixed-income returns. On the other hand, higher yields also indicate higher borrowing costs for the government, which could impact fiscal planning, especially as Japan continues to grapple with a high national debt exceeding 250% of its GDP. Analysts suggest that this yield spike is partially driven by global trends. Central banks around the world, including the U.S. Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank, have been raising interest rates to combat inflation. These actions create upward pressure on long-term yields worldwide. Investors, comparing global options, may demand higher yields from Japanese debt to remain competitive with foreign bonds. Domestically, the Bank of Japan’s long-standing policy of yield curve control has limited the movement of long-term interest rates, including the 40-year bond yield. But subtle shifts in BOJ policy or market expectations of future rate adjustments can have an outsized impact on long-term yields. Investors now appear to be pricing in expectations of tighter monetary policy or reduced BOJ intervention in the long-term bond market. The 4% yield also reflects changing perceptions about Japan’s economy. While Japan has long battled low inflation and slow growth, recent data suggests moderate recovery in certain sectors, coupled with rising energy and commodity prices, is affecting market sentiment. Higher yields may signal that investors expect the BOJ to gradually adjust its ultra-accommodative stance to keep pace with global monetary tightening. For Japanese households and businesses, the rise in long-term yields is a double-edged sword. On one hand, savers may benefit from better returns on long-term government bonds. On the other hand, increased borrowing costs could affect government spending and debt servicing, potentially influencing fiscal policy and taxation. Companies relying on debt financing may also face higher costs in the long term. Financial strategists emphasize that while a 4% yield is significant, it is still manageable compared to other economies with similar long-term debt profiles. Japan’s strong credit rating and status as a safe-haven market continue to attract domestic and international investors. The key question now is whether the yield will stabilize, continue to rise, or trigger a broader reevaluation of Japan’s bond market. Historically, such shifts in long-term yields have served as important economic signals. Investors and policymakers worldwide view them as indicators of inflation expectations, monetary policy credibility, and fiscal sustainability. For Japan, the 4% milestone may mark the beginning of a new era in debt management, investment strategy, and economic planning. In conclusion, Japan’s 40-year government bond reaching a 4% yield for the first time since its 2007 debut is a landmark event in the country’s financial history. The move reflects global and domestic economic trends, shifts in investor expectations, and potential adjustments in monetary policy. While it offers opportunities for long-term investors, it also raises questions about fiscal sustainability and the future trajectory of Japan’s bond market. As policymakers, investors, and economists assess the implications, the milestone will likely remain a focal point for discussions on Japan’s economic strategy and its role in the global financial system.
By Fiaz Ahmed Brohiabout an hour ago in The Swamp
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