Gaza’s people are not just statistics—they are families, children, and communities fighting to survive.
- The starvation in Gaza is not a natural disaster but a deliberate policy, as described by WHO and UN officials
Shaheer Pulikkal | India
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, with mass starvation threatening the lives of millions, particularly children, as the world remains largely passive. The ongoing conflict, coupled with a stringent blockade, has created a man-made famine that aid agencies and international organizations describe as deliberate and preventable. Despite global outcry and mounting evidence of suffering, meaningful action to alleviate this crisis remains elusive, leaving Gaza’s population trapped in a cycle of hunger, displacement, and despair.
A Man-Made Catastrophe
The World Health Organization (WHO) has labeled the situation in Gaza as “man-made mass starvation,” with its director, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasizing that the crisis stems from a blockade restricting essential supplies like food, water, and medical aid. Since Israel reimposed a near-total blockade in March 2025, following a brief ceasefire, the flow of humanitarian aid has dwindled to a fraction of what is needed. Before the war, Gaza relied on approximately 500 aid trucks daily to sustain its 2.1 million residents. Recent reports indicate that only about 28 trucks are currently allowed in each day, a number woefully inadequate to meet the population’s needs.
This blockade has led to dire consequences. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that 127 people, including 85 children, have died from malnutrition since the conflict began in October 2023. Tragically, these numbers are likely underreported, as hospitals struggle to document cases amid overwhelmed facilities and dwindling resources. The death of 5-month-old Zainab Abu Halib, who weighed less than her birth weight at the time of her passing, underscores the severity of the crisis. Her emaciated body, described by medical staff at Nasser Hospital, is a haunting symbol of the starvation gripping Gaza.
The Human Toll
The starvation crisis is not just a statistic—it is a daily reality for Gazans. Nearly one in three people are going days without food, and almost 100,000 women and children require urgent treatment for severe acute malnutrition. Hospitals, already crippled by bombardment and shortages, are reporting rising deaths from hunger-related causes. Dr. Ahmad al-Farra, head of pediatrics at Nasser Hospital, notes that children arrive at his unit in varying stages of starvation, some too weak to survive even basic medical interventions.
The blockade’s impact extends beyond food scarcity. Clean water is nearly nonexistent, exacerbating dehydration and disease. Malnutrition weakens immune systems, making common illnesses like diarrhea and pneumonia deadly, especially for children. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, themselves malnourished, struggle to produce milk, putting infants at further risk. The long-term consequences are devastating, with survivors facing stunted growth, cognitive impairments, and chronic health issues.
International Inaction and Symbolic Gestures
Despite the overwhelming evidence of a humanitarian disaster, the international response has been marked by inaction and inadequate measures. More than 100 aid organizations, including Médecins Sans Frontières, Oxfam, and Amnesty International, have issued urgent calls for Israel to lift the blockade and restore UN-led aid distribution. A joint statement by 28 countries, including the UK, condemned Israel’s “denial of essential humanitarian assistance” as “unacceptable,” yet failed to propose concrete actions like sanctions.
Israel’s recent moves, such as resuming airdrops and announcing “tactical pauses” in fighting, have been criticized as insufficient and dangerous. Airdrops, which deliver far less aid than trucks, pose risks to civilians, with past incidents resulting in injuries and deaths when pallets landed on tents or crowds. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial U.S.-backed aid system, has been marred by violence, with over 1,000 Palestinians killed while seeking food at its distribution points since May 2025. Humanitarian groups refuse to work with GHF, citing its lack of adherence to principles of impartiality and safety.
The United Nations, while vocal about the crisis, faces significant obstacles. Israeli restrictions, damaged infrastructure, and fuel shortages hinder aid delivery. UN officials report that even when aid reaches Gaza, it often remains undistributed due to bureaucratic delays and military zones. The interception of a humanitarian ship carrying baby formula and medical supplies by Israeli forces further highlights the challenges faced by aid workers.
Political Will and Moral Failure
The starvation in Gaza is not a natural disaster but a deliberate policy, as described by WHO and UN officials. Israel, as the occupying power, is legally obligated to ensure the provision of basic needs to Gaza’s population under international humanitarian law. Yet, Israeli officials have denied the existence of famine, with some attributing hunger to UN inefficiencies or Hamas, despite evidence to the contrary.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called the world’s inaction a “moral crisis,” urging global intervention to address the starvation. The failure to act decisively—whether through enforcing a ceasefire, opening land crossings, or holding Israel accountable—reflects a broader lack of political will. While countries like Jordan and the UAE have joined airdrop efforts, these are seen as symbolic gestures that do not address the root causes of the crisis.
A Call for Urgent Action
The situation in Gaza demands immediate and robust action. A permanent ceasefire, the lifting of the blockade, and the restoration of UN-led aid distribution are critical to preventing further deaths. The international community must move beyond statements of concern and impose tangible measures, such as sanctions, to ensure compliance with humanitarian law. The world cannot continue to stand by as images of emaciated children and desperate families flood global media.
Gaza’s people are not just statistics—they are families, children, and communities fighting to survive. The starvation crisis, described as a “massacre in slow motion,” will leave lasting scars on an entire generation if not addressed. The time for action is now, before more lives are lost to hunger and indifference.
Read: Songs of hope rise from Gaza’s ruins
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Shaheer Pulikkal is a young Indian short‑story writer and novelist. A Malayalam writer, he has published works multiple times.
