Warnings of Disaster Loom for Gaza's Starving Population Issued by WHO
In the Gaza Strip, a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions is unfolding. According to the Hamas-controlled health authority, ten more deaths from hunger-related causes were reported in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 111. This grim statistic underscores the dire situation faced by the region's population.
Thousands of people marched in Tel Aviv, Israel, last week, protesting against the ongoing Gaza war and raising awareness of the crisis in the Gaza Strip. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported an extremely severe hunger crisis characterized by mass starvation and acute malnutrition. Around 90% of Gaza’s population faces severe difficulty accessing clean water, exacerbating health and nutrition challenges.
More than 100 aid groups, including WHO, have described the situation as "mass starvation," with record levels of acute malnutrition reported. Over 70 children have died from malnutrition since the start of 2025, and at least 10 Palestinians died of famine-related causes within a recent 24-hour period. UN agencies confirm that about a third of Gaza’s roughly 2.1 million population have experienced days without food, with a quarter showing famine-like conditions. Nearly 100,000 women and children suffer from severe acute malnutrition and urgently need treatment.
The hunger crisis is worsened by a total Israeli siege and blockade imposed since March 2025, severely restricting food, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid access. Repeated deadly shootings at aid distribution centers and convoys have caused hundreds of deaths and hampered relief efforts. Amnesty International highlights that children suffer the most, with over 66 children having died directly from malnutrition-related conditions since October 2023. Blockades prevent the supply of special nutritional needs, such as lactose-free formula required by severely malnourished infants.
UN staff and aid workers themselves are now fainting from hunger and exhaustion while trying to deliver aid, underscoring the deteriorating conditions on the ground. WHO leadership stresses the importance of protecting humanitarian workers and maintaining aid operations despite the hostile environment.
More than 100 international aid organizations have called for access to those in need in Gaza. However, the UN has found it difficult to assess famine criteria in the Gaza Strip due to ongoing Israeli attacks and continuous displacement of the population. Between mid-May to mid-July, more than 1600 trucks with UN aid were approved, but fewer than 30 trucks per day are needed to meet basic needs. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that more than 600 to 650 trucks per day are needed.
The Israeli government spokesperson has stated that there is hunger in the Gaza Strip, but denies responsibility. Tons of food, clean water, medical supplies, shelters, and fuel are lying idle due to lack of access and delivery. Hamas is accused of preventing the distribution of aid to the population and hijacking aid trucks for profit. The UN denies not picking up trucks already in the Gaza Strip and bringing them to the people.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the international community is urged to take immediate action to alleviate the suffering of the population. The UN, aid organizations, and governments must work together to ensure that food, water, and medical supplies reach those in need, and that humanitarian workers are protected while doing so. The future of Gaza's population hangs in the balance, and urgent action is required to prevent further loss of life and ensure a brighter future for all.
- Political cooperation among world leaders is crucial to address the unfolding crisis in the Gaza Strip.
- Peace, a fundamental human right, is increasingly elusive for the people of Gaza, as pointed out by the UN and various humanitarian organizations.
- The dire situation in Gaza warrants immediate attention, with 111 people having died from hunger-related causes in the past 24 hours alone.
- Malnutrition, a result of the ongoing crisis, is claiming lives, with over 70 children having died since the start of 2025.
- Thousands of people are experiencing famine-like conditions, with unaAccess to clean water exacerbating health and nutrition challenges.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has described the situation in Gaza as "mass starvation," marked by record levels of acute malnutrition.
- Over a third of Gaza's population has experienced days without food, according to UN agencies, with a quarter showing famine-like conditions.
- The WHO also highlighted the need for protection of humanitarian workers and unhindered aid operations.
- International aid organizations have called for immediate access to those in need in Gaza to alleviate the crisis.
- The UN finds it difficult to assess famine criteria in the Gaza Strip due to ongoing Israeli attacks and continuous population displacement.
- The Israeli government has not taken responsibility for the hunger crisis, despite tons of aid supplies remaining idle due to lack of access and delivery.
- Aid trucks are not being delivered to the people, and there are allegations of aid hijacking by Hamas for profit.
- The UN denies not picking up trucks already in the Gaza Strip, and states that the Israeli blockade is severely restricting food, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid access.
- Repeated deadly shootings at aid distribution centers and convoys have caused hundreds of deaths and hampered relief efforts.
- Amnesty International has highlighted the suffering of children in the crisis, with over 66 children having died directly from malnutrition-related conditions since October 2023.
- The crisis worsens the situation of children with special nutritional needs, such as lactose-free formula required by severely malnourished infants.
- UN staff and aid workers themselves are now fainting from hunger and exhaustion while trying to deliver aid.
- The international community is urged to take immediate action to provide food, water, and medical supplies to those in need in Gaza.
- Governments, the UN, and aid organizations must collaborate to ensure that humanitarian workers are protected while delivering aid.
- Urgent action is required to prevent further loss of life, and ensure a brighter future for all in Gaza.
- Health and wellness initiatives, including fitness and exercise programs, nutrition education, and medical-conditions management like chronic kidney disease and type-2 diabetes, are essential for long-term solutions.
- Education and self-development programs, focused on personal growth and mindfulness, can empower individuals to overcome adversity and contribute to building a peaceful society.
- Science and technology can play a crucial role in crisis management, such as weather forecasting, auto-racing, sports analysis, and medical research related to chronic diseases.
- Sports, from football and soccer to basketball and racing, serve as a form of escapism, bringing joy and unity during difficult times.
- Career development programs can provide individuals with the skills they need to secure jobs in various fields, contributing to economic stability.
- Despite the crisis, there is hope for the future, with resilient people and the potential for political cooperation to bring peace and healing to the Gaza Strip.
