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Al-Ahram Weekly
6 days ago
- Health
- Al-Ahram Weekly
93 children among 175 people who died of starvation amid Israeli blockade: Ministry - War on Gaza
The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced Sunday that six more adults have died from starvation in the past 24 hours due to the deadly Israeli blockade, bringing the total number of hunger-related deaths in Gaza to 175, including 93 children, since the outbreak of the genocidal Israeli war on the Strip in October 2023. Over 150 of the hunger-related deaths have occurred since Israel imposed its total blockade on Gaza on 2 March, according to various reports. Gaza's humanitarian crisis continues to deteriorate under an ongoing Israeli blockade, with severe shortages of food and medical supplies, the health ministry warned via its official Facebook page. Last week, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a global authority on food crises, said a 'worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out' in Gaza, warning of 'widespread death' without urgent action. The alert followed the spread of images in media reports of emaciated children and multiple reports of hunger-related fatalities. International outrage prompted Israel to announce daily 'humanitarian pauses' and aid airdrops. Still, the United Nations (UN) and Palestinians on the ground say these measures have done little to ease the crisis. Aid trucks are often overwhelmed by desperate crowds before they reach their intended destinations. The IPC has warned that Gaza has hovered on the brink of famine for two years, with the situation 'dramatically worsened' by increasingly strict Israeli restrictions. The World Food Programme (WFP) says one in three people in Gaza is going days without eating. At the same time, hospitals report a rising number of deaths from malnutrition, particularly among children under five. Gaza's population of over 2 million has been pushed into ever smaller and devastated areas under constant bombardment, with essential services collapsing. Witkoff says 'no famine in Gaza' In the face of growing international outrage over images of Palestinians starving due to the Israeli blockade, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff claimed on Friday that 'there is no famine in Gaza'. Witkoff made the claim during a meeting in Tel Aviv with families of Israelis held captive by Palestinian factions in Gaza. Witkoff's comments contradicted those of US President Donald Trump, who recently said: 'That's real starvation stuff ... I see it, and you can't fake that.' Earlier on Saturday, the US envoy visited Rafah in southern Gaza, where he toured a facility run by the US-backed and Israeli-run Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), established in May. The GHF has been condemned by tens of international aid agencies and rights groups as a "death trap" for hungry Gazans, as Israeli forces killed over 1,400 starving aid-seekers at the foundation's distribution points since 27 May. Hamas dismissed Witkoff's visit as a 'pre-scripted performance' aimed at misleading public opinion and providing political cover for a deliberate campaign of starvation. In a statement, the Palestinian resistance group accused the US of being 'a full partner in the crimes of starvation and genocide taking place before the eyes of the world.' The group urged Washington to lift its political backing for "the crime of the century" in Gaza. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Shafaq News
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
+25 killed: Gaza's worst-case famine unfolds amid mass shootings at aid lines
Shafaq News – Gaza (updated 18:15) Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire killed over 25 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip overnight into Thursday, as the enclave's hunger crisis deepened and new reports emerged of deadly shootings targeting civilians waiting for aid. Gaza's Health Ministry reported a total of 60,138 deaths and 146,269 injuries since October 7, 2023. Since late May, 1,239 people have died while trying to reach food distribution points, and 159 others—including 90 children—have died from malnutrition since the war began. Seven of those deaths occurred in the past 24 hours. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warned that 'the worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out in Gaza,' noting that famine thresholds for food consumption have been breached in most areas, with acute malnutrition already evident in Gaza City. 🚨 #GazaStrip AlertThe worst-case scenario of #Famine is rapidly unfolding in the #GazaStrip amid relentless conflict, displacements, and extremely limited humanitarian access.📄 Read more: @TheIPCinfo #FoodInsecurity #Malnutrition — The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (@theIPCinfo) July 29, 2025 Gaza's Civil Defense Agency said at least 30 Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli fire yesterday while waiting for humanitarian aid near the Zikim crossing in northern Gaza. Moreover, local officials reported that Israeli forces shelled civilians near a food distribution site on Salah al-Din Street in central Gaza, killing 12 people and injuring 60. The violence coincided with the arrival of US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff in Israel, where he met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss a potential ceasefire and address the worsening humanitarian crisis. — i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) July 31, 2025 Israeli and international media reported that Witkoff may also visit Gaza to inspect aid distribution centers operated by the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
DW
31-07-2025
- Health
- DW
Fact check: Aid groups contradict Israeli Gaza disinfo – DW – 07/31/2025
Netanyahu denies starvation in Gaza — but aid groups, doctors, and UN data point to a deepening hunger crisis Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denies that Gazan are starving. "There is no starvation in Gaza, no policy of starvation in Gaza," Netanyahu saidon Sunday, during an event with Daystar, an evangelical TV network, held in Jerusalem. His remarks stand in stark contrast to mounting evidence from aid agencies, humanitarian organizations, and eyewitnesses who describe an escalating food crisis, particularly in the north of the enclave. A DW Fact check takes a closer look. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a global hunger monitoring body, has warnedthat famine thresholds have been surpassed in parts of Gaza —particularly in Gaza City—calling the crisis a "worst-case scenario" now unfolding. According to the World Health Organization, 63 of the 74 malnutrition-related deaths recorded in Gaza this year occurred in July alone—including 24 children under the age of five and 38 adults. Meanwhile, aid workers on the ground reportthat they themselves are going hungry and Gaza's Health Ministry says dozens of people have died from starvation-related causes over the past three weeks. With international pressure rising, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that he would officially recognize a State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September unless Israel takes "substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza." To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Israeli officials, however, including Ministry spokesperson Oren Mamorstein, have rejectedthe malnutrition and starvation figures released by Gaza's health authorities and UN bodies, calling them exaggerated and unreliable. They argue that the numbers, some provided by Hamas,a group designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the EU, and others, lack credibility. However, a new independent study says they are actually too low. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not alone in denying that Gaza is facing starvation. His comments have been echoed across social media by numerous online personalities and accounts that either downplay the severity of the crisis or claim reports of widespread hunger are fabricated. Israel imposed a complete blockade of food, fuel and other supplies in March and numerous politicians—including Netanyahu—have repeatedly said that no food would enter Gaza. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said in August 2024 that "it might be justified and moral" to let Israel "cause 2 million civilians to die of hunger" until the "hostages are returned." "This is the official line repeated by the Prime Minister, his cabinet, and the far-right media," Oren Persico of the Israeli independent outlet told DW. "They either deny that starvation is happening, blame Hamas for not surrendering, or even claim it's a good thing—because it supposedly helps pave the way for building Jewish settlements in Gaza." Several accounts challenge widely shared photos of severely emaciated children in Gaza, claiming they're misleading or lack context. One image—of Muhammad Zakariya Ayyoub al-Matouq—featured in reports by several international news outletshas also circulated widely on social media alongside posts condemning the humanitarian crisis. Pro-Israel commentators, along with Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, later claimed the boy had a rare genetic muscular disorder and alleged that omitting this detail was an attempt to defame Israel. While some posts and reports did lack that context, outlets like CNNacknowledged his condition and noted that he had been living a healthier life before the war, thanks to therapy and adequate nutrition, writing: "He has a muscle disorder that requires physical therapy and specialized nutrition, and he faces life-threatening malnutrition as the humanitarian situation worsens due to ongoing Israeli attacks and the blockade." also confirmedhe suffered from malnutrition in addition to a pre-existing illness. Still, a large number of accounts continued to circulate the claim that such photos were being misused to falsely suggest starvation—something they insist does not exist. One widely shared post (see screenshot below) reads: "A boy from Gaza with a rare muscular disease is being exploited to promote the fake campaign of starvation in Gaza." DW Fact check identified dozens of nearly identical posts circulating the same image and text. Our team showed the picture shared by these posts to several pediatricians in Germany to verify the claims about the child's muscular disorder. They noted that the exact condition cannot be diagnosed from photos and videos alone. However, they emphasized that a pre-existing medical condition does not rule out malnutrition, and attributing all signs of emaciation solely to genetic disorders overlooks the broader impact of prolonged nutritional deficiency. For Oren Persico from the accusations from the Israeli government are part of a political strategy. "One tactic being used is to highlight non-representative examples and present them as proof that human suffering in Gaza isn't happening," he explained. "It's like conspiracy theories who fix on irrelevant details to distort the overall picture. In that sense, I would call it a disinformation campaign—one that cherry-picks fringe facts to deny the overwhelming body of evidence, including eyewitness accounts, data, and reports." A similar narrative surfaced around a piece of video published by outlets including the Jerusalem Post which shows a close-up of a vegetable stall in a Gaza market. The footage quickly spread across social media, where it was used by accounts seeking to challenge reports of famine in the territory. "…This is footage from today at Al-Sahaba market in Gaza City, completely packed with food. So much for starvation. The average Gazan eats better than you!", writes one account. DW Fact check spoke with Majdi Fathi, the journalist accredited for the video. He confirmed that the footage is authentic and shows a market inside Gaza, but added that it does not mean food is available for all. "These vegetables and fruits are very expensive," Fathi said. "The majority of people in Gaza cannot afford them. What Gaza lacks are other food items such as meat, milk, rice and eggs. I did not find anything else to film in the market."Other media reports support his view. A BBC investigation found that food packages delivered by local aid groups in Gaza often lack the nutritional variety needed for a healthy diet, leading to deficiencies and long-term health issues even when quantities are adequate. "Until now, meat, eggs, milk, and other essentials have not entered," Fathi said. "The problem is also the high prices. Since the beginning of the war, many families haven't been able to work and have no income to buy food." On his Instagram account, he shared another video showing Gazansat the market complaining about the soaring cost of basic goods. Israel's recent move to allow more aid deliveries has slightly eased prices in some areas, but the impact remains limited. While the aid is meant for free distribution, some supplies are being stored, diverted, or resold. With no clear oversight by aid groups, local authorities, or Israeli forces, the extent of diversion is unclear. Israeli officials have repeatedly claimed that Hamas is responsible for stealing this aid. However, The New York Times reports that Israeli military officials have confirmed there is no evidence that Hamas systematically looted UN humanitarian aid, including from UN convoys—it instead alleges sporadic theft from smaller actors, not organized diversion by Hamas. Between 120 and 200 aid trucks entered Gaza on Sunday, according to UN estimates, with an additional 260 trucks reportedly awaiting clearance as of Monday. But aid officials have described those efforts as inadequate and, in some cases, dangerous for civilians on the ground to collect them. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Irish Post
31-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Post
Ireland commits to sending €2m funding for food as Gaza faces famine
IRELAND has committed €2m in funding to support a programme delivering food to Gaza. Humanitarian agencies have warned this week that the war-torn region faces famine as deaths due to malnutrition and starvation are increasing as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues. The IPC (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification) has issued an alert claiming that the 'worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out in the Gaza Strip'. 'Conflict and displacement have intensified, and access to food and other essential items and services has plummeted to unprecedented levels,' they said in a statement. 'Mounting evidence shows that widespread starvation, malnutrition, and disease are driving a rise in hunger-related deaths,' they add. The IPC has warned that famine thresholds have been reached in war-torn Gaza (Pic: IPC) The IPC further confirmed that famine 'thresholds' have been reached for food consumption in most of the Gaza Strip and for acute malnutrition in Gaza City. 'Malnutrition has been rising rapidly in the first half of July,' they explained. 'Over 20,000 children have been admitted for treatment for acute malnutrition between April and mid-July, with more than 3,000 severely malnourished. 'Hospitals have reported a rapid increase in hunger-related deaths of children under five years of age, with at least 16 reported deaths since July 17.' They added: 'Immediate action must be taken to end the hostilities and allow for unimpeded, large-scale, life-saving humanitarian response. 'This is the only path to stopping further deaths and catastrophic human suffering." Yesterday Tánaiste Simon Harris confirmed Ireland would send €2m to support the World Food Programme (WFP) to deliver food to Gaza. 'Deliberately denying food to people, including babies, in Gaza is beyond comprehension,' he said. 'Children are starving in what is a catastrophic situation on the ground,' he added. 'In recent days I've asked my officials to examine how best Ireland can play a part in helping. 'This emergency package of funding being announced today will support the World Food Programme to get food to people who urgently need it. 'The WFP managed to deliver 4,000 tonnes of food to people in Gaza last week. 'This is life-saving work but WFP estimate that 62,000 tonnes of food aid is needed per month. 'Once again, we call on Israel to remove the many restrictions and delays on transport into and within Gaza. 'This is the only feasible way to avert famine in Gaza.' Ireland's Minister for International Development, Neale Richmond, said the situation in Gaza is 'catastrophic'. 'People are being deliberately denied food and are now on the brink of famine, this must stop," he said. 'The World Food Programme is best placed to deliver food to people in Gaza," the minister added. :This is the only way to avert a famine in Gaza. Ireland will continue to support their life-saving work.' See More: Famine, Food, Funding, Gaza, Ireland, Israel
South Wales Guardian
30-07-2025
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
Dozens more Palestinians killed by Israeli fire as war drags on
Israel has continued to carry out daily strikes as its military offensive and blockade have led to the 'worst-case scenario of famine' in the territory of two million Palestinians, according to an international authority on hunger crises. Ceasefire talks appeared to have stalled again last week, with no end in sight to the nearly 22-month war. More than 30 people were killed while seeking humanitarian aid, according to hospitals that received the bodies and treated dozens of wounded people. Another seven, including one child, died of malnutrition-related causes, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on any of the strikes. It says it only targets militants and blames civilian deaths on Hamas, because the group's militants operate in densely populated areas. Shifa Hospital in Gaza City said it received 12 people who were killed on Tuesday night when Israeli forces opened fire towards crowds awaiting aid trucks coming from the Zikim crossing in northern Gaza. Thirteen others were killed in strikes in the urban Jabaliya refugee camp, and the northern towns of Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun, the hospital said. In the southern city of Khan Younis, Nasser Hospital said it received the bodies of 16 people who it says were killed on Tuesday evening while waiting for aid trucks close to the newly built Morag corridor, which the Israeli military carved out between Khan Younis and the southernmost city of Rafah. The hospital received another body – a man killed in a strike on a tent in Khan Younis, it said. The Awda Hospital in the urban Nuseirat refugee camp said it received the bodies of four Palestinians who it says were killed on Wednesday by Israeli fire close to an aid distribution site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in the Netzarim corridor area, south of the Wadi Gaza. Under heavy international pressure, Israel announced a series of measures over the weekend to facilitate the entry of more international aid to Gaza, but aid workers say much more is needed. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) – the leading world authority on hunger crises – has stopped short of declaring famine in Gaza but said on Tuesday that the situation has dramatically worsened and warned of 'widespread death' without immediate action. Cogat, the Israeli military body that facilitates the entry of aid, said more than 220 trucks entered Gaza on Tuesday. That is far below the 500-600 trucks a day that UN agencies say are needed, and which entered during a six-week ceasefire earlier this year. The UN is still struggling to deliver the aid that does enter, with most trucks unloaded by crowds in zones controlled by the Israeli military. The alternative aid system run by the Israeli-backed GHF has also been marred by violence. More than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid since May, most near sites run by the GHF, according to witnesses, local health officials and the UN human rights office. The Israeli military says it has only fired warning shots at people who approach its forces, and the GHF says its armed contractors have only used pepper spray or fired warning shots to prevent deadly crowding. International airdrops of aid have also resumed, but many of the parcels have landed in areas that Palestinians have been told to evacuate while others have plunged into the Mediterranean Sea, forcing people to swim out to retrieve drenched bags of flour. A total of 89 children have died of malnutrition since the war began in Gaza. The ministry said 65 Palestinian adults have also died of malnutrition-related causes across Gaza since late June, when it started counting deaths among adults. Israel denies there is any starvation in Gaza and says the focus on hunger undermines ceasefire efforts. Hamas started the war with its attack on southern Israel on October 7 2023, in which militants killed around 1,200 people and abducted 251 others. They still hold 50 hostages, including around 20 believed to be alive. Most of the rest were released in ceasefires or other deals. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Its count does not distinguish between militants and civilians. The ministry operates under the Hamas government. The UN and other international organisations see it as the most reliable source of data on casualties.
