The head of the World Health Organization has declared that Gaza is experiencing man-made mass starvation due to the blockade of aid. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated from Geneva that the situation is clearly caused by the blockade, as more than 100 aid organisations urged Israel to ease restrictions.
A joint letter from 109 agencies, including Doctors Without Borders and Oxfam, accused the Israeli government of blocking humanitarian groups from distributing life-saving supplies. The agencies noted that tonnes of food, water, and medical items remain in warehouses while restrictions create chaos and death.
At least 111 people have died from hunger, including 80 children, according to Gaza’s health authority. Daily aid distribution averages just 28 trucks, a sharp drop from 500 before the war. The Israeli military has killed over 1,000 Palestinians attempting to reach food distribution points since late May.
Israeli strikes on Wednesday killed at least 21 people, more than half women and children, and two journalists were among the dead. The Israeli military said it is deepening operations in Gaza City and northern Gaza. Meanwhile, the US envoy for the Middle East is heading to Rome to push for a ceasefire, with negotiations continuing in Doha.
