Over 100 international aid organizations and human rights groups have urgently called for government intervention to address dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, citing mass starvation as a critical issue. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Save the Children, and Oxfam have joined forces in a joint statement emphasizing that both aid workers and the population are “wasting away.” This assertion has been met with strong denial from Israeli authorities, who claim the statement serves Hamas's propaganda.
Mass Starvation in Gaza: Urgent Warning from Humanitarian Groups
Mass Starvation in Gaza: Urgent Warning from Humanitarian Groups
Global humanitarian organizations raise alarms about the worsening famine conditions in Gaza, as mass starvation looms.
The alarming situation comes on the heels of reports from Gaza's health ministry indicating that 10 Palestinians succumbed to malnutrition in just the past day. Official figures now report 43 malnutrition-related deaths since Sunday alone. The UN has revealed that hospitals are overwhelmed with patients suffering from severe malnutrition, leading to incidents of individuals collapsing due to hunger.
In a poignant statement, 109 humanitarian organizations lamented, “As the Israeli government's siege starves the people of Gaza, aid workers are now joining the same food lines, risking being shot just to feed their families." The situation deteriorated further after Israel imposed an extensive blockade on aid deliveries to Gaza in March, subsequently ramping up military actions against Hamas.
Despite a partial easing of the blockade, the conditions have become increasingly severe, with soaring prices due to shortages and many families unable to purchase even basic necessities. Reports from doctors indicate skyrocketing levels of acute malnutrition, particularly among children and the elderly, with illnesses such as acute watery diarrhea adding to the crisis.
The World Health Organization stated that approximately a quarter of Gaza's population now faces famine-like situations, with nearly 100,000 women and children reported as suffering from severe acute malnutrition requiring immediate assistance.
Dr. Ahmad al-Farra, a pediatrician at Nasser hospital, painted a grim picture of the unfolding crisis, affirming that food has been unavailable for days, pushing hospitals to their limits as children arrive in various states of starvation.
Local residents have expressed despair over the rising costs of staples, with one illustrating the untenable situation, stating that daily needs reach exorbitant amounts. The organizations have noted that since late May, the Israeli military has reportedly killed over 1,050 Palestinians attempting to secure food.
The Israeli military maintains that it only issues warning shots and does not deliberately target civilians. Still, the humanitarian organizations emphasize that nearly all of Gaza’s population is now displaced and confined to small areas, halting effective aid operations.
While the UN contends that tons of aid remain stockpiled, access limitations imposed by authorities have left many people without essential resources. The UN has continually wrestled with obstacles preventing the collection and distribution of supplies due to ongoing military operations and severe fuel shortages.
Moreover, it has raised concerns over civilian safety, stating in many cases, individuals approaching aid trucks have come under fire, despite assurances from the military that such situations would be avoided.
The humanitarian organizations have called for decisive governmental action, demanding an immediate ceasefire, the lifting of bureaucratic restrictions to aid access, and an end to military-controlled distribution. Conversely, Israel's foreign ministry dismissed the organizations' claims, asserting they echoed Hamas's narrative.
As the conflict continues, escalating violence since the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7 has resulted in rising casualties in Gaza, with recent estimates stating that over 59,000 people have died in the region since the conflict intensified.
In a poignant statement, 109 humanitarian organizations lamented, “As the Israeli government's siege starves the people of Gaza, aid workers are now joining the same food lines, risking being shot just to feed their families." The situation deteriorated further after Israel imposed an extensive blockade on aid deliveries to Gaza in March, subsequently ramping up military actions against Hamas.
Despite a partial easing of the blockade, the conditions have become increasingly severe, with soaring prices due to shortages and many families unable to purchase even basic necessities. Reports from doctors indicate skyrocketing levels of acute malnutrition, particularly among children and the elderly, with illnesses such as acute watery diarrhea adding to the crisis.
The World Health Organization stated that approximately a quarter of Gaza's population now faces famine-like situations, with nearly 100,000 women and children reported as suffering from severe acute malnutrition requiring immediate assistance.
Dr. Ahmad al-Farra, a pediatrician at Nasser hospital, painted a grim picture of the unfolding crisis, affirming that food has been unavailable for days, pushing hospitals to their limits as children arrive in various states of starvation.
Local residents have expressed despair over the rising costs of staples, with one illustrating the untenable situation, stating that daily needs reach exorbitant amounts. The organizations have noted that since late May, the Israeli military has reportedly killed over 1,050 Palestinians attempting to secure food.
The Israeli military maintains that it only issues warning shots and does not deliberately target civilians. Still, the humanitarian organizations emphasize that nearly all of Gaza’s population is now displaced and confined to small areas, halting effective aid operations.
While the UN contends that tons of aid remain stockpiled, access limitations imposed by authorities have left many people without essential resources. The UN has continually wrestled with obstacles preventing the collection and distribution of supplies due to ongoing military operations and severe fuel shortages.
Moreover, it has raised concerns over civilian safety, stating in many cases, individuals approaching aid trucks have come under fire, despite assurances from the military that such situations would be avoided.
The humanitarian organizations have called for decisive governmental action, demanding an immediate ceasefire, the lifting of bureaucratic restrictions to aid access, and an end to military-controlled distribution. Conversely, Israel's foreign ministry dismissed the organizations' claims, asserting they echoed Hamas's narrative.
As the conflict continues, escalating violence since the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7 has resulted in rising casualties in Gaza, with recent estimates stating that over 59,000 people have died in the region since the conflict intensified.
