More than 100 humanitarian organizations have issued a joint statement warning of “mass starvation” in Gaza as Israel’s war with Hamas continues. The 115 aid groups described the situation as a man-made catastrophe, citing “record rates of acute malnutrition” and a collapsing aid system.
Dire Conditions and Rising Death Toll
According to Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry, at least 10 people died from famine and malnutrition in the past 24 hours alone. The World Health Organization reports over 70 children have died from hunger this year, and a total of 111 people have died due to hunger since the war began — 25 of them in just the last two days.
Aid Workers and Civilians at Risk
Some aid workers are reportedly standing in food lines themselves, risking gunfire to feed their families. The United Nations says hundreds have been killed around aid distribution centers. “Children tell their parents they want to go to heaven, because at least heaven has food,” said one aid worker providing psychosocial support.
Accusations and Denials
The joint statement blames the Israeli government for creating “chaos, starvation, and death” through restrictions and a full siege on Gaza. However, Israeli government spokesman David Mencer denied the existence of famine, blaming Hamas for the crisis. He stated that Hamas has disrupted food distribution and is “deliberately placing Gazans at risk of hunger.”
Israel Cites Ongoing Aid Efforts
Mencer said over 4,000 aid trucks have entered Gaza in recent days, delivering baby food, flour, and high-calorie meals. He added that 87 million meals have been distributed since late May. Despite these claims, aid groups insist critical supplies are depleted and children are starving.
UN: Hundreds Killed Seeking Food
The United Nations reports that at least 875 people have been killed by Israeli gunfire near aid distribution sites while trying to access food.
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