News Summary
Gaza City is experiencing a catastrophic famine as prices of essential food items soar, leaving many families unable to afford basic nutrition. Alarming reports indicate severe malnutrition among children, with thousands at risk of starvation. Medical experts warn of a humanitarian disaster as aid deliveries remain inadequate and conflict escalates, prompting urgent calls for international intervention. The situation is critical, with experts stressing the need for immediate action to prevent further loss of life, especially among the vulnerable population of children.
Gaza City faces a catastrophic famine as the situation continues to deteriorate amid ongoing conflict, prompting urgent calls for humanitarian intervention. Medical experts have reported alarming cases of severe malnutrition, particularly among children, as basic food items have skyrocketed in price, rendering them unaffordable for the vast majority of the population.
As of July 31, 2025, a 9-year-old girl in Gaza City named Maryam Abdulaziz Mahmoud Davvas is unable to walk due to malnutrition, highlighting the dire circumstances affecting children in the region. An eyewitness, Dr. Cooper, who arrived in Gaza recently, has described the situation as “beyond imagination,” revealing that children as young as five have been collapsing from starvation symptoms. This means the scale of human suffering is escalating, with indications of an impending humanitarian disaster.
The escalating conflict has led to staggering prices for essential food items. A kilogram of meat or sugar is reported to cost around $100, pushing basic nutrition out of reach for most families. Pediatricians and medical staff are also suffering from hunger, with many eating only minimal meals per day. Official reports indicate at least 163 individuals, including 93 children, have succumbed to starvation since October 2023 as a result of continued violence and economic blockades.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has raised alarms that a worst-case famine scenario is currently unfolding in Gaza. An Israeli court has confirmed that the flow of food into the area is controlled by Israel, which allows only supplies deemed necessary for survival. The scope of food shipments drastically diminished between March and June, with only 56,000 tonnes of food delivered—less than a quarter of what is required for the population.
Internationally, experts and humanitarian organizations have warned that 100% of Gaza’s population could be facing acute food insecurity by September. Approximately 500,000 individuals are at risk of starvation and death, with UNICEF reporting that more than 320,000 children are vulnerable to acute malnutrition. Malnutrition indicators in Gaza have exceeded the famine threshold, leading to widespread concern regarding childhood health as illnesses linked to contaminated water sources increase among the malnourished.
Aid deliveries to Gaza have been significantly below the necessary levels, exacerbated by stringent restrictions imposed on supplies. The distribution of aid has been chaotic, resulting in casualties among those attempting to obtain food at distribution points. The situation has drawn considerable international outrage, with many calling for humanitarian intervention to alleviate the suffering.
Recent global attention has seen former U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledge the existence of starvation in Gaza and pledge to support efforts to deliver food and medical aid. Additional aid has started trickling into the region, yet humanitarian agencies remain skeptical about the efficacy of these measures, emphasizing the scale of assistance is far from meeting the urgent needs of the population.
Despite reports of airdrops aimed at combating the hunger crisis, experts point out that sustainable solutions and immediate humanitarian intervention are critical for preventing further deaths, especially among the most vulnerable populations—children. Israeli officials, however, deny the existence of starvation, attributing the hunger crisis to alleged hoarding of aid by the militant group Hamas.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has escalated since the outbreak of hostilities in October 2023, with over 60,000 Palestinians lost, predominantly women and children. As the international community watches, experts stress that swift action is needed to address the dire circumstances faced by the residents of Gaza. Time is of the essence if further loss of life is to be avoided.
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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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