Since Israel launched its war on Gaza in October 2023, starvation has become a growing, deadly threat. Dozens have died from hunger and malnutrition-related complications. Most of these deaths occurred in recent months as Israel’s total blockade in March 2025 halted nearly all aid. Food and medical supplies sit idle at land crossings while Gaza’s 2.1 million residents face catastrophic conditions. The World Health Organization now says famine is no longer a risk — it is a reality.
Total Blockade Triggers Famine Conditions
Aid trucks have been stalled for months due to the tightened blockade. This has left civilians cut off from basic necessities. People displaced multiple times by bombardments now face starvation in crowded shelters. One-third of Gaza’s population has gone days without food, the UN World Food Programme reports. At least 25% now face famine-like conditions.
UNICEF estimates 100,000 women and children suffer from severe malnutrition. The World Health Organization documented 63 malnutrition deaths in July alone. Hospitals report infants too weak to breastfeed and patients too frail to donate blood.
What Happens to the Human Body Without Food
Starvation follows five metabolic stages first; the body uses stored carbohydrates. Then it turns to fat for fuel. Ketone production begins by day three, providing alternate energy for the brain. Later, the body slows down metabolism, lowers hormone production, and reduces physical activity. In the final phase, once fat reserves run out, the body consumes its own muscles — including the heart. This stage leads to immune collapse, organ failure, and death.
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Why Children Suffer the Most
Children deplete energy reserves faster and with weak immunity, even mild illness becomes fatal. As starvation worsens, children may lose the ability to eat or swallow. Emergency pastes and feeding tubes are used, but reintroducing food too quickly can also be fatal due to refeeding syndrome. Survivors often face stunted growth and long-term health issues.
Aid Centers Accused of Failing the Vulnerable
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation began operating aid points in May. However, rights groups say over 1,000 Palestinians have died at or near these sites. Security forces have allegedly fired into crowds and used tear gas. Crowds push out the weak, leaving elderly and disabled people behind. Aid is reaching only those strong enough to collect it.
A Preventable Tragedy
More than 100 humanitarian organizations have demanded unimpeded aid access. Experts insist that famine in Gaza is preventable. Dr Kevin Stephenson, a US malnutrition expert, says severe hunger is one of the world’s most treatable crises — if only food is allowed in.
