The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip continues to deteriorate, with rising numbers of starvation-related deaths as Israel’s blockade restricts vital supplies from reaching the enclave. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, local hospitals reported nine more malnutrition-related fatalities in just 24 hours, pushing the total number of starvation deaths since October 2023 to 122—among them at least 83 children. The Ministry urgently appealed for an end to the famine, demanding immediate access for infant formula, 500 aid trucks, and 50 fuel trucks daily, alongside the opening of all border crossings.
Officials in Gaza hold the Israeli government, along with its international backers—including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and France—responsible for what they describe as a historic crime and a case of “deliberate mass starvation.” At Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, doctors reported that a six-month-old baby succumbed to starvation-related complications, underlining the severe impact on Gaza’s youngest residents.
Reports indicate that starvation deaths have accelerated in recent days due to Israel’s continued blockade, which prevents the steady flow of food, water, medicine, and other essential supplies. The United Nations has repeatedly warned of the growing risk to children as the crisis intensifies, with families now struggling to secure even one meal a day. Many civilians have been killed while attempting to collect food at distribution sites, further highlighting the desperate conditions.
Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA—the UN agency for Palestinian refugees—criticized the GHF aid distribution scheme, calling it a “cruel, politically driven effort that takes more lives than it saves.” He stressed that the ongoing famine can only be reversed through decisive political action, urging the Israeli authorities to allow the UN’s humanitarian stockpiles into Gaza.
The Israeli military, however, has blamed international organizations for not distributing aid already present in Gaza, a claim the UN disputes, citing the lack of Israeli permits required for aid delivery. Humanitarian groups have also declined to work with the GHF scheme, arguing it fails to uphold principles of impartiality and independence.
Meanwhile, political tensions remain high. U.S. President Donald Trump has blamed Hamas for the collapse of recent ceasefire talks, stating that the group does not want peace and will be “hunted down.” This follows the withdrawal of U.S. negotiators from talks in Qatar and ongoing Israeli statements about exploring alternative options to release captives without negotiating with Hamas.
Since the conflict began in October 2023, Israel’s offensive on Gaza has killed at least 59,676 Palestinians and wounded nearly 144,000. In Israel, over 1,139 people died in the October 7 attacks, with more than 200 taken hostage. As the international community calls for urgent action, Gaza’s crisis of starvation and humanitarian suffering continues to escalate, demanding real solutions rather than words.
