The severity of the famine in Gaza should not be underestimated.

The severity of the famine in Gaza should not be underestimated.

In the Gaza Strip, a severe humanitarian crisis is unfolding, marked by extreme food insecurity, widespread malnutrition, and a collapsing healthcare system. Since October 2023, over 57,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, with casualties continuing due to ongoing conflict and deteriorating living conditions [1][2].

Approximately 470,000 people—around 22% of Gaza’s population—are on the brink of starvation, with vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly suffering from severe malnutrition [2][4]. The medical system in Gaza is overwhelmed and near collapse, with hospitals struggling to treat thousands of war-wounded and malnourished patients amid a shortage of supplies [2].

The suspension of aid deliveries for over 11 weeks has sharply increased humanitarian and medical needs, leaving entire families trapped amidst ongoing shelling and infrastructure destruction [2]. The international community's response includes UN agencies, the Red Cross, the United States, and various NGOs. However, aid delivery is currently funneled mainly through a single U.S.-linked group overseen by Israel, amid allegations by Israeli authorities that Hamas diverts aid for military use [4].

The limited access to aid has been a persistent issue. Between mid-July 2025, nearly 23% of planned aid movements coordinated with Israeli authorities were denied access to Gaza [3]. Israel recently declared a temporary "tactical pause" in military operations and opened humanitarian corridors for UN and aid convoys in response to growing international pressure [4].

However, the risk of famine remains imminent without significant improvement in aid access and cessation of conflict. The latest food security analysis warns that the entire Gaza population faces high levels of acute food insecurity, with a worst-case famine scenario unfolding if aid restrictions and conflict persist [5].

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References:

1. [Source 1]
2. [Source 2]
3. [Source 3]
4. [Source 4]
5. [Source 5]
6. [Source 6]
7. In light of the Gaza Strip's humanitarian crisis, various organizations such as UN agencies, the Red Cross, the United States, and NGOs have applied their resources to alleviate the situation.
8. The escalating war-and-conflicts in Gaza have led to a collapsing healthcare system, with hospitals struggling to provide science-based treatments due to a shortage of supplies.
9. In addition to the pressing need for physical healthcare, mental-health of the affected population is also a concern, given the trauma and stress caused by war-and-conflicts.
10. Beyond health-and-wellness, nutrition is another critical issue, as nearly 23% of the planned aid movements for food have been denied access to Gaza in mid-July 2025. The directors of these organizations should consider implementing fitness-and-exercise programs for the displaced population, given the psychological benefits of physical activity and its potential impact on mental-health.

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