Food Crisis Escalates in Gaza as UN Warns of Widespread Starvation

The UN's World Food Programme has alerted that almost a third of the population in Gaza is experiencing multiple days without food, while malnutrition rates soar. Amid mounting humanitarian concerns and criticism of aid restrictions, international leaders urge Israel to facilitate aid deliveries as the crisis worsens.

Almost one in three residents in Gaza are reportedly going without food for days, according to a warning from the World Food Programme (WFP). This alarming statistic is accompanied by reports of surging malnutrition, with an estimated 90,000 women and children requiring urgent medical intervention. The situation in the territory has worsened dramatically this week, with the Hamas-run health ministry announcing nine additional deaths from malnutrition, pushing the total fatalities since the onset of conflict to 122.

Israel, which maintains control over all supply access to Gaza, asserts that there are no barriers to aid access, blaming Hamas for the current state of malnutrition. A representative from Israeli security mentioned potential plans for airdrops of supplies into Gaza shortly, though aid agencies have previously pointed out the ineffectiveness of this method for delivering crucial resources. Media reports state that the United Arab Emirates and Jordan are prepared for these drops, although a senior Jordanian official clarified that their military had not yet received official approval from Israel to proceed.

International calls for action have intensified, with officials from Germany, France, and the UK collectively urging Israel to "immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid" to alleviate the growing humanitarian disaster in Gaza. They emphasized the urgent need to cease the ongoing war and demanded adherence to international humanitarian law, stating that withholding essential aid to the civilian population is "unacceptable."

The UN secretary-general condemned the international community's inaction regarding the dire condition of Palestinians, expressing disbelief at the widespread indifference. He revealed that over 1,000 Palestinians had lost their lives while attempting to access food and other essential supplies since late May, a period marked by a shift to US and Israeli-backed aid distribution methods, which have sparked criticism.

Allegations of severe misconduct during aid distribution have also emerged from former US security contractor Anthony Aguilar, who claimed to have witnessed "war crimes" being committed against civilians by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and US contractors. However, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation dismissed his claims as "categorically false," branding him a disgruntled former employee.

As discussions concerning a new ceasefire and the release of hostages remain uncertain, US President Donald Trump commented on Hamas's alleged lack of interest in negotiations, generating surprise from the group. A Hamas representative stated that mediators had informed them the negotiations were not over, and expectations were set for the return of the Israeli delegation to talks next week.

Since launching military operations in Gaza following a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths in Israel, the current war has claimed the lives of over 59,000 people in Gaza according to local health authorities. Israel's total blockade of essential aid deliveries began in early March and coincided with renewed military offensives against Hamas, leading to deteriorating conditions. Although aid was partially reintroduced after two months of famine warnings, shortages of food, medicine, and fuel remain critical, with over 90% of residential structures damaged or destroyed amid ongoing violence and mass displacement in the region.