Gaza starvation warning as aid agencies urge Israel to end blockade
More than 100 humanitarian aid groups and human rights organizations have issued urgent warnings that Gaza is facing a catastrophic hunger crisis. They have called upon Israel to immediately end its blockade and allow unfettered delivery of humanitarian assistance, highlighting that the situation has pushed both civilians and aid workers to the brink of starvation.
Worsening Humanitarian Crisis
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Mass Starvation and Famine Risks
Aid agencies report that Gaza is now on the verge of a man-made famine. Over 100 organizations—including Save the Children, Doctors Without Borders, Mercy Corps, and the Norwegian Refugee Council—have warned that their staff inside Gaza are themselves starving while trying to deliver aid to civilians. -
Rising Death Toll
Since the Israeli military operations escalated in October 2023, at least 111 people (including over 80 children) have died from starvation or malnutrition, with more deaths reported every week. -
Aid Workers Affected
Humanitarian organizations note that, with supplies completely exhausted, even their own workers and partners are deteriorating from lack of food. Aid workers have had to join food lines, risking their lives as Israeli forces have been accused of firing on crowds seeking aid.
Barriers to Humanitarian Aid
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Israeli Blockade and Restrictions
The majority of food, clean water, medicine, and other essentials remain just outside Gaza, inaccessible to those inside due to Israeli restrictions. Aid agencies state that the government’s blockade, combined with delays and administrative fragmentation, has led to “chaos, starvation, and death” throughout Gaza. -
Danger at Distribution Points
Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed at or near aid distribution sites, most commonly in shootings by Israeli forces near these points. The risks are so severe that many are deterred from seeking the food distributions that do arrive.
International Response
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Calls for Immediate Ceasefire and Lifting of Barriers
Humanitarian organizations have jointly called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, as well as the removal of all restrictions on the movement of humanitarian aid. They also demand the restoration of a UN-led humanitarian response and for all governments to pressure Israel to comply with international law by ensuring rapid and unimpeded access for aid delivery. -
Conditions in Gaza
According to the World Health Organization, acute malnutrition rates in Gaza have surpassed 10% for the general population and 20% among pregnant and breastfeeding women. At least 30,000 children under five are acutely malnourished. Nearly 95% of households face severe water shortages.
Gaza Hunger Crisis (July 2025)
| Issue | Details & Data |
|---|---|
| Deaths from Starvation | 111 confirmed dead (80+ children), with new fatalities daily |
| Aid Groups Involved | 100+ (Save the Children, MSF, Mercy Corps, NRC, etc.) |
| Main Barriers | Israeli blockade, delays, fragmentation, distribution dangers |
| Acute Malnutrition | 10%+ general, 20%+ among pregnant/breastfeeding women |
| Water Shortages | 95% of households lack minimum safe water daily |
| Civilian Deaths Near Aid | 800+ killed at distribution points, mostly by shootings |
Humanitarian leaders warn that Gaza is experiencing one of the worst hunger crises in modern times, with urgent calls for Israel to lift its blockade and for international actors to guarantee safe, large-scale, and independent aid delivery. Without immediate action, aid groups stress that the catastrophe will deepen, costing more innocent lives each day.
