Relief Agencies Warn Gaza Is Descending Into ‘Massive Famine’ as Starvation Deaths Rise to 332
Relief agencies have warned that Gaza is facing an escalating humanitarian crisis, with deaths from famine and malnutrition now totaling 332, including 124 children.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported 10 additional starvation-related deaths in the past 24 hours, including three children, Maktoob Media reported.
Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said Friday: “We are on a descent into a massive famine. Currently, 500,000 people are in the worst possible situation, with another 160,000 expected to be added in the coming weeks.” He stressed the urgent need for large-scale food deliveries and safe distribution across the territory.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also highlighted the rising risk of communicable diseases, reporting 94 suspected cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome. This condition, which can cause paralysis, requires hospital treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin or plasma exchange—both of which are currently unavailable due to ongoing restrictions on aid entering Gaza, according to WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier.
Coordination of humanitarian missions remains fraught. Between August 20–26, OCHA reported that out of 89 attempts to move aid through Israeli checkpoints, only 53 succeeded, while 23 were initially approved but later blocked, seven were denied, and six had to be withdrawn.
Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), reiterated the urgent call for a ceasefire, warning that civilians are threatened not only by bombardment but also by starvation and lack of aid.
Meanwhile, the Israeli army announced it had begun the “initial stages” of its planned takeover of Gaza City, declaring the area a “combat zone.” Since October 7, 2023, the conflict has resulted in 63,025 deaths and over 159,490 injuries.
