Gaza’s Health and Humanitarian Systems Collapse Amid Blockade and Starvation Strategy
Gaza is facing one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes of the 21st century as Israel’s ongoing blockade and bombardment have crippled aid delivery and pushed the territory’s healthcare system to the brink of collapse.
Israel has enforced a blockade on the Gaza Strip since 2007, controlling all entry and exit of people and goods, an article by Anadolu Agency explained. Human Rights Watch has repeatedly described the enclave as the world’s largest open-air prison. The situation deteriorated sharply after October 2023, when Israel imposed a total blockade—cutting off electricity, food, and fuel. Since then, more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed, while famine and disease spread rapidly across the enclave.
The so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), established in May 2025 by Israel and the US, has been criticized as a “facade” for a starvation policy. While more than 400 aid distribution points once existed, only four militarized GHF sites remain, moving less than 5% of the supplies needed daily. UN agencies and humanitarian groups say the mechanism serves as a cover for forced displacement and collective punishment. The UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Michael Fakhri, accused Israel of deliberately starving Gaza’s civilian population.
Inside the besieged territory, the health system is collapsing. At the Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gaza—the last major hospital still functioning—Palestinian American nurse Amanda Nasser described catastrophic conditions. She reported mass casualties from gunfire and bombardment, severe shortages of medical staff and supplies, and the spread of malnutrition even among healthcare workers. “So far at Nasser Medical Complex, we have seen a few infants die of malnutrition,” she told Anadolu Agency.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 28,000 malnutrition cases have been recorded since January 2025, leading to 263 deaths, including 112 children. Starvation is compounded by relentless Israeli strikes, with nearly 1,900 civilians killed at or near aid distribution points.
Despite the devastation, Nasser said Palestinians have shown resilience and dignity. She appealed for an immediate ceasefire and urged international action, including boycotts of companies funding the war. “This is the most barbaric and inhumane way to treat human beings, and it needs to stop,” she said.
Israel is currently facing genocide proceedings at the International Court of Justice and war crimes charges at the International Criminal Court. Yet, aid agencies warn that without urgent international pressure, Gaza risks further mass death from famine, disease, and the collapse of its remaining health infrastructure.
