Gaza’s Starvation Crisis: Aid Blocked, Death Toll Mounts

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached an unprecedented level, with the United Nations declaring it the hungriest place on Earth. Every single resident of the Strip — approximately 2.3 million people — is now teetering on the edge of catastrophic hunger, as stated by Jens Laerke from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Israel’s tight control over aid access has left the region in a state of desperation.

Aid deliveries into Gaza are critically low. According to Laerke, the current amount of humanitarian supplies allowed in is only a “trickle” and nowhere near enough to meet demand. He emphasized that the operation is not only heavily restricted but among the most obstructed aid missions seen in recent history. Food deliveries are being stifled by red tape and military restrictions.

Control over aid distribution has largely shifted to a newly established NGO, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is supported by Israel and the United States. This move has sparked backlash as the GHF’s sites are under military oversight, located close to Israeli positions. Reports from Al Jazeera revealed that 20 people were shot while trying to receive food at one of the GHF distribution centers.

The placement of these aid stations near the Netzarim Corridor and other militarized areas has only increased the danger for civilians. Palestinians are being forced into controlled zones, where they are exposed to sniper fire and military vehicles. Observers liken the scenes to cages, with starving individuals herded into lines and denied safe access to life-saving aid.

There have been reports of enforced disappearances, especially among those who attempted to reach these aid centers. Many families say their children and relatives have gone missing, and the fear of being targeted while seeking food is ever-present. Humanitarian groups accuse Israel and the GHF of using food as leverage in the ongoing conflict.

Doctors Without Borders and other organizations have condemned this strategy, asserting that food is being distributed based on military objectives rather than humanitarian need. Vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and disabled, are being left behind. The risk of famine grows as aid continues to bypass the areas most affected by hunger and violence.

Meanwhile, pressure mounts internationally. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that France could impose sanctions if Israel fails to respond to the worsening crisis. Speaking from Singapore, Macron stressed that the global community cannot stand by as Gaza spirals deeper into starvation. His comments underscore growing discontent with how the crisis is being managed.

The toll of the violence adds to the despair. On Friday alone, 30 people were killed in Israeli attacks across several areas including Khan Younis and Jabalia. Israel has also issued fresh evacuation orders, displacing nearly 200,000 people in two weeks. The relentless bombardment and forced relocations further compound the hunger crisis.

While a new ceasefire proposal has been sent to Hamas by the United States and reportedly approved by Israel, Hamas has indicated that it offers little change. The current form lacks essential elements, such as a commitment to end military action or to allow unrestricted humanitarian aid. It is being viewed as a mechanism to prolong suffering under the guise of diplomacy.

The humanitarian conditions deteriorated sharply following Israel’s total blockade on March 2. Even after promises to allow food and medicine into Gaza, critical supplies have failed to reach civilians in need. Aid workers on the ground report continued delays, restricted access, and targeted attacks, all contributing to the worsening famine.

UN experts say the situation now meets the technical definition of famine. At least 20% of households face severe food shortages, and children are dying at alarming rates. The combination of hunger, violence, and lack of healthcare is fueling a deadly cycle that shows no sign of abating.

Michael Fakhri, the UN special rapporteur on the right to food, confirmed that famine conditions are indeed present. He accused Israel of using aid to manipulate civilian movement, essentially turning food into a tool of warfare. His warning highlights the severity of the crisis and the deliberate nature of the obstruction.

The system set up under GHF control is deeply flawed, critics argue. Humanitarian groups with decades of experience are being sidelined in favor of militarized aid distribution. This approach not only reduces efficiency but also increases civilian casualties and suffering by putting aid centers directly in harm’s way.

Despite calls from the international community to scale up assistance, the crisis continues to deepen. Without significant policy changes and full access granted to humanitarian actors, the people of Gaza are likely to endure even greater levels of hunger and displacement.

Ultimately, the situation in Gaza reflects a grim intersection of political conflict and humanitarian collapse. With no ceasefire in place and aid still weaponized, civilians remain trapped in a deadly crisis. The world watches, but for those in Gaza, survival hangs by a thread.