A mounting humanitarian emergency has gripped Gaza as doctors and health officials report a wave of deaths from starvation and malnutrition, especially impacting children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses. Described by UN and humanitarian leaders as a situation resembling weaponized hunger, conditions reflect severe food shortages, collapsing healthcare, and deadly conflict zones.
Surge in Starvation Deaths (July 2025)
Health authorities in Gaza confirmed that 15 more people including four children died of starvation in just 24 hours, bringing the official total to at least 101 deaths, with around 80 of the victims children since the conflict began in October 2023 (Al Jazeera). Many of these fatalities occurred over the last few weeks as the aid blockade intensified.
Inside Gaza hospitals, severely malnourished patients are arriving daily. Doctors report an “alarming” trend, with facilities overwhelmed and constantly short on supplies to treat hunger-related illnesses such as dehydration and anemia (Al Jazeera).
Children & Vulnerable Groups at Highest Risk
- Children: Over 80 child deaths have been documented due to malnutrition. Rates of acute malnutrition among children under five rose from 5.5% in March to 10.2% in June, according to UNRWA and UNICEF (AP News).
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women: More than 60,000 are malnourished, impairing breastmilk production and increasing infant vulnerability (World Health Organization, Globedge).
- Chronically ill and elderly: A 43-year old diabetic man died due to malnutrition-related complications; hospitals report patients dropping to critical weights one woman fell from 50 kg to just 25 kg before death (Anadolu Ajansı).
Causes: Blockade, Conflict & Aid Breakdown
Since March 2, 2025, Israel has enforced nearly total closure of Gaza’s borders, halting entry of food, fuel, medicine, and essential goods. Although limited aid resumed via the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in May, it remains drastically insufficient, and aid workers often face deadly risks near distribution centers (World Health Organization).
Crowds at GHF distribution points have been repeatedly attacked or crushed, reportedly killing hundreds, including 32 people killed in one incident involving Israeli troops firing on crowds attempting to reach aid (AP News).
Healthcare Collapse
Gaza’s healthcare system is near collapse:
- Only a minority of hospitals remain partially operational.
- 374 medical personnel have been killed; 51 primary care facilities closed (Anadolu Ajansı, Wikipedia).
- Many health workers themselves are hungry; fainting and exhaustion among aid staff are widespread (The Guardian).
The WHO warns that hunger and disease are a deadly combination, especially in crowded shelters where sanitation is minimal. Already, what were once treatable illnesses diarrhea, pneumonia, measles are becoming fatal due to malnutrition (World Health Organization).
International Response & Legal Concerns
UN leaders, including World Food Programme and WHO officials, have criticized the blockade and distribution methods as inconsistent with humanitarian principles. Many organizations refuse to work with the GHF, citing its militarized structure and dangerous processes (Financial Times).
International bodies have raised alarm over potential violations of international law, with starvation possibly being used as a weapon of war a charge echoed by multiple human rights organizations (Wikipedia).
Key Statistics
| Indicator | Key Data (as of July 2025) |
|---|---|
| Starvation-related deaths | ≥ 101 people (≈ 80 children) |
| Recent 24‑hour death toll | 15 people (4 children) |
| Child acute malnutrition (under 5) | ~10% (up from ~5.5%) |
| Pregnant women malnourished | ≥ 60,000 individuals |
| Deaths at aid sites since May | Nearly 800 peopl |
The Human Toll & Broader Implications
Conclusion
Gaza is now facing one of the most severe hunger crises globally a famine-like collapse fueled by blockade, bombings, and systemic failure of aid delivery. Over 100 people have starved to death, with children and the diaspora’s most vulnerable disproportionately impacted. UN agencies warn that without urgent access to food, medicine, and safe distribution mechanisms, the crisis will deepen rapidly, risking permanent generational damage.
