Gaza Strip, home to 2.1 million Palestinians, is facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises in recent history. An escalating Gaza famine crisis that threatens to devastate the population, especially vulnerable children and women. Several studies supported by the United Nations and humanitarian organisations warn that famine-like conditions are currently occurring in Gaza and are getting worse every day. Even though an official famine declaration has not yet been made. The combined consequences of the continuous Israeli embargo, the unrelenting military confrontation, and the stringent limits on relief and commercial goods have created this man-made disaster.
The Price of Starvation to Humans
Over 470,000 Palestinians, or nearly 25% of the population, are in catastrophic hunger, according to the most recent Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) statistics. They are in IPC Phase 5, which is the highest level of food insecurity. Over 20,000 children were treated for malnutrition between April and mid-July 2025 alone. Thousands of children under five suffer from acute malnutrition. Unfortunately, since October 2023, over 150 deaths have been attributed to malnutrition, and the figure is still rapidly increasing. In July 2025 alone, 63 people died from malnutrition, many of them children.
There is an urgent need for therapeutic dietary supplements for around 300,000 children and 150,000 women. As nearly all pregnant or nursing women and children aged 6 to 23 months are unable to satisfy their nutritional demands. Many families are compelled to make do with leftovers. Turning to risky and drastic coping mechanisms like eating grass or picking through trash as Gaza famine crisis accelerated.
Gaza famine crisis is not a natural disaster. It is a direct result of the Israeli embargo, which has been worsened since October 7, 2023. When military offensives have further destroyed Gaza’s vital health and food infrastructure. Enough food, clean water, gasoline, and medication have not been able to enter due to the siege. In addition to destroying local markets and agriculture, the embargo and bombardment on official food import routes.
When humanitarian help does make it to Gaza, it is still far from enough. Delivery of aid is subject to dangers, limitations, and delays. In the midst of turmoil and violence, over 1,000 Palestinians have been murdered or injured. while attempting to reach aid distribution facilities. Treatment for malnutrition and related diseases is severely limited. because only 15% of critical nutrition and health services are still operational.
Blockade, Conflict, and Aid Crisis
Millions of meals are sent each month by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and other organizations. But the assistance is too little, too late, and frequently requires fuel and water for cooking. Resources that are in very limited supply. International actors stress that the only way to stop the Gaza famine crisis from getting out of hand is to implement an unconditional ceasefire right away and allow for secure, unhindered humanitarian access.
This is the “worst-case scenario” of starvation that is occurring in Gaza. According to the International Food Security Phase classification and UN authorities, who also warn that if immediate action is not taken. The situation would become irreversible. The crisis necessitates the restoration of vital services. The removal of the blockade to permit the entry of commercial food and fuel, and the uninterrupted and unhindered supply of humanitarian relief.
The devastating human cost of protracted fighting and embargo on a civilian population is made evident by the food catastrophe in Gaza. The rates of famine and death among children, who are the most susceptible, are concerning. In addition to endangering immediate survival, the malnutrition epidemic poses a threat to a generation’s long-term health and development.
The international community needs to act quickly. Time is running out to avert an irreparable humanitarian catastrophe, the UN warns. The people of Gaza require secure passageways for gasoline, food, and medication in addition to a long-term truce that permits reconstruction and rehabilitation. Without these, Gaza famine crisis caused by humans will only worsen and claim an unfathomable number of lives.
