Health Crisis Deepens in Gaza as Malnutrition Deaths Rise Amid Ongoing Conflict

The Hamas-run health ministry has reported an alarming increase in deaths due to malnutrition in Gaza, reaching a total of 154 since the onset of the conflict that began in 2023. The international community continues to express concern over the humanitarian crisis as violence persists, complicating aid efforts.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting an additional seven deaths from malnutrition in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 154 since the conflict with Israel escalated in 2023. Among these fatalities, 89 are children, highlighting the devastating toll the war is taking on the youngest and most vulnerable populations.

On Tuesday, a global panel of food security experts backed by the United Nations warned that a severe famine is currently unfolding in Gaza, prompting urgent calls for action. However, Israel maintains that there are no restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into the territory, a claim that is met with skepticism by European allies, the UN, and humanitarian organizations on the ground.

In a related incident, reports emerged of deadly clashes near a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid distribution center in Rafah, where six Palestinians were reportedly killed. Hospital sources indicated that these incidents occurred as crowds attempted to access aid before the center's opening, leading to confrontations with Israeli military presence. The GHF has denied that any killings occurred at its facilities, while the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) claims that the casualties do not align with their information and that warning shots were fired to disperse crowds.

The ongoing violence has led to increased casualties, with the Hamas-run health ministry announcing that 103 Palestinians were killed within a 24-hour period, including 60 individuals who died while seeking aid. This follows an Israeli blockade on aid imposed in March, which was exacerbated by a military offensive launched shortly after a temporary ceasefire, aiming to increase pressure on Hamas regarding captured hostages.

Since the onset of the conflict, approximately 60,138 have been reported killed in the Israeli military campaign, which was initiated in response to a violent attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in significant Israeli casualties and hostage situations.

In separate political developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed outrage over British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's recent commitment to recognizing a Palestinian state, contingent on Israel agreeing to certain actions including a ceasefire, a stance Netanyahu claims emboldens terrorism. Meanwhile, Emily Damari, a British-Israeli woman released from Hamas captivity earlier this year, criticized Starmer's position, suggesting it undermines efforts to combat terror.