Starvation crisis deepens as blockade strangles Gaza
At least 57 Palestinians, primarily children, the elderly, and the sick, have died of starvation in Gaza due to Israel’s ongoing blockade, now entering its third month. The territory has been under complete siege since March 2, with essential aid food, water, and medicine cut off as airstrikes persist.
Gaza’s local authorities denounced the use of hunger as a weapon of war and called on the international community to pressure Israel to open the borders. Over the weekend, hundreds of aid trucks were seen waiting near Egypt’s border, unable to enter, while desperate residents scavenged for food.
Among the latest victims is a baby girl who succumbed to malnutrition and dehydration in a hospital west of Gaza City. The United Nations reports that over 9,000 children have been treated for acute malnutrition so far this year. Aid groups have begun suspending operations due to a lack of resources, leaving displaced populations with no access to meals.
Hospitals are also reaching breaking point. A medical director in Rafah warned of severe shortages of essential medicines and predicted a full shutdown of health services within a week unless borders are reopened. Critically ill patients are dying daily due to the absence of treatment and evacuation options.
This is the longest total blockade Gaza has experienced. In the past two days alone, Israeli military strikes have killed at least 70 Palestinians and injured more than 275 others. The overall death toll in Gaza since October 7, 2023, has surpassed 52,000, with more than 118,000 wounded. Thousands more remain buried under rubble and are presumed dead.
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