Stockholm – July 24, 2025 – Healthcare leaders warn of a man-made starvation crisis in Gaza. The blockade on aid into Palestinian territory has triggered widespread hunger, according to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Aid Blockade Starves Gaza
Tedros held a virtual news conference in Geneva on Wednesday. He said:
“This is mass starvation, and it is man-made. That is very clear. It is because of the blockade.”
Since March, Israel—including restricted aid even after lifting the full blockade in May—has allowed only limited food, water, and medical supplies into Gaza. More than 100 international aid groups warned that large stocks of supplies remain just outside Gaza’s borders, untouched and unavailable to those who need them.
Aid Agencies Call for Urgent Action
Aid groups report that only a small fraction of essential aid reaches people in Gaza. WHO’s Tedros confirmed that the United Nations and its partners could not deliver food for nearly 80 days between March and May. Since aid resumed, it remains far below what’s needed to stop widespread hunger.
Human Toll: Starvation and Malnutrition
The Gaza Health Ministry says ten more Palestinians died of starvation overnight, bringing the total to 111, mostly in recent weeks. WHO data shows at least 21 children died from malnutrition in 2025—though the true number is probably much higher.
Health centers treating malnutrition are now full. They lack enough resources for urgent feeding programs. WHO officials say roughly 10% of screened individuals are suffering from moderate or severe malnutrition. Among pregnant women, the number reaches 20%.
Rik Peeperkorn, WHO’s representative in the occupied Palestinian territories, reported that, in July alone, 5,100 children enrolled in malnutrition care programs and 800 of those were severely wasted.
Israel’s Position
Israel says it allows aid into Gaza but must monitor supplies to prevent them from reaching militant groups like Hamas. It argues it has already let in sufficient food and blames Hamas for the suffering of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents.
Why This Matters
- Starvation is now a man-made crisis affecting thousands in Gaza.
- The blockade restricts essential aid in a dangerous environment.
- Global leaders and charities call for immediate aid access to save lives.
