News Summary
A severe famine in Gaza has escalated due to ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises. Thousands of children are suffering from malnutrition as food prices soar, making basic sustenance unaffordable. Humanitarian organizations report widespread starvation, with urgent calls for international action to address the dire needs of the population. The blockade by Israel further restricts food supplies, leading to tragic casualties among those seeking assistance. The situation calls for immediate intervention to prevent further loss of life, particularly among vulnerable children.
Gaza City – A critical famine is unfolding in Gaza, exacerbated by ongoing conflict and a humanitarian crisis that has persisted since October 2023. Recent reports reveal harrowing conditions, including acute malnutrition affecting children and families struggling to find basic sustenance.
As of July 31, 2025, 9-year-old Maryam Abdulaziz Mahmoud Davvas is one of many victims of severe malnutrition in the area, unable to walk due to her condition. Medical professionals on the ground, including one who has recently arrived in Gaza, describe the situation as “beyond imagination.” The doctor witnessed children as young as five collapsing from starvation, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian intervention.
Food prices have skyrocketed, with essential items such as a kilogram of meat or sugar costing around $100, rendering them unaffordable for most families. Medical staff, including pediatricians, are also enduring hunger, surviving on minimal meals. Notably, since the onset of the conflict, at least 163 individuals, including 93 children, have reportedly died from starvation-related causes.
The humanitarian crisis has intensified due to restrictions put in place by Israel, including a comprehensive blockade and closure of crossings since March 2, significantly reducing food shipments into Gaza. According to data, between March and June, only 56,000 tonnes of food were permitted entry, accounting for less than a quarter of the minimum needed to sustain the population.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warns of a worst-case scenario of famine currently unfolding in Gaza. By September, 100% of the population could face acute food insecurity, with over half a million people at risk of starvation and death. UNICEF has reported that more than 320,000 children are at risk of acute malnutrition, with indicators in Gaza exceeding the famine threshold.
Humanitarian organizations are accusing Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war, as the blockade affects the flow of essential goods into the territory. An Israeli court confirmed the country controls the supply of food, allowing only what is considered necessary for survival. This has led to chaotic aid distribution efforts, where individuals have tragically died while attempting to access food from distribution sites.
The international community has reacted with growing outrage, calling for urgent humanitarian intervention. Even prominent political figures have acknowledged the severity of the situation, pledging to work towards delivering food and medical aid to those in need. However, despite some aid entering the territory, it remains inadequate to meet the urgent demands of the population.
Dr. Cooper highlights the dire connection between malnutrition and contaminated water, which leads to a variety of childhood illnesses. Recent reports indicate that although food deliveries to Gaza have begun, they are at a scale far below the necessary amount to alleviate the ongoing hunger crisis. Additionally, skepticism surrounds the potential effectiveness of recent humanitarian airdrops aimed at addressing the urgent needs of the population.
With over 60,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children, reported killed since the military offensive began, the situation continues to be dire. A heartbreaking incident involved an 11-year-old boy who became paralyzed from a gunshot while searching for food. The ongoing conflict complicates relief efforts, highlighting the need for immediate and extensive humanitarian assistance to prevent further loss of life, particularly among vulnerable children.
The crisis in Gaza, labeled as a catastrophic famine by medical experts, underlines the urgency for immediate action and support from the international community to address the dire food security and health challenges faced by the population.
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Additional Resources
- The Guardian: The Mathematics of Starvation
- Wikipedia: Famine
- Al Jazeera: One in Three Palestinians in Gaza Going Days Without Food
- Google Search: Gaza food crisis
- The New York Times: Gaza Market Prices for Food
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Humanitarian Crisis
- The Washington Post: Trump’s Response to Gaza
- Google News: Gaza starvation
- Vox: Gaza Hunger Crisis
- Google Scholar: Gaza famine
- The Hill: Gaza Food Crisis
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CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
