The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has reached alarming new levels, with the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reporting a sharp rise in starvation-related deaths. As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues into its tenth month, aid organisations warn of a rapidly deteriorating situation that could spiral into full-scale famine.
UN Sounds Alarm on Gaza Starvation
UN officials have confirmed multiple deaths from malnutrition and dehydration in northern Gaza, where access to food and clean water remains severely restricted. "We're seeing children dying from hunger-related causes - something unimaginable in the 21st century," said a senior UNRWA representative.
The agency reports that:
- Over 90% of Gaza's population faces acute food insecurity
- Clean water is virtually unavailable in northern districts
- Medical facilities report sharp increases in malnutrition cases
International Pressure Mounts on Israel
Israel faces growing criticism over restrictions on aid deliveries, despite claims that sufficient supplies are entering Gaza. The US and EU have called for immediate action to prevent further civilian suffering, while humanitarian groups accuse Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war - a charge Jerusalem strongly denies.
"The situation has become untenable," said a European diplomat familiar with negotiations. "We're seeing complete breakdowns in basic services, and the civilian toll keeps mounting."
Conflict Shows No Signs of Abating
Meanwhile, military operations continue across Gaza, with Israeli forces reporting new strikes on Hamas targets. Palestinian health officials claim dozens of civilian casualties in recent bombardments, though these figures remain contested.
The conflict has displaced approximately 1.9 million Gazans - nearly 85% of the territory's population - with many now sheltering in overcrowded UN facilities lacking proper sanitation and medical care.
