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Palestinian Arabs

Famine and Starvation Claim Lives in Gaza Amid Israeli Tightening of Siege

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Gaza, a war-torn enclave, is on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe, with children dying from starvation instead of bombs. Israel's prolonged siege has crippled the territory's health system, economy, and infrastructure, leaving 2.1 million people without access to basic necessities like food, water, and medical care. The blockade has drawn sharp criticism from the international community, with leaders and organizations alike condemning the severe humanitarian violations as "a disgrace to humanity."

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 70 children have succumbed to starvation since the conflict began, with 19 people dying of hunger in the past 24 hours alone, including four-year-old Razan Abu Zahir.
  • Israeli airstrikes have killed 27 Palestinians and wounded others, while the siege has crippled Gaza's health system, leaving medical staff struggling to cope with the crisis.
  • The Gaza Health Ministry reported 134 deaths (including four recovered bodies) and 1,155 injuries over the past 24 hours, with a total death toll of 59,029 and 142,135 wounded since 7 October 2023.
  • The blockade has led to a surge in food prices, with food prices in Gaza growing fortyfold, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
  • The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) declared starving civilians a war crime, and the UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese compared Israel's actions to Nazi atrocities.
  • Former Israeli army Chief of Staff Moshe Ya'alon broke ranks with the military establishment, warning that forced evacuations, demolitions, and starvation in Gaza amount to war crimes and violate Israel's moral values.
  • Israeli Settlement Minister Orit Strook called for widening military operations, even at the risk of Israeli hostages' lives, recommending a decisive battle.

Statistics:

  • Since 7 October 2023, the death toll in Gaza has risen to 59,029, with 142,135 wounded.
  • 88% of Gaza's territory is now under Israeli evacuation orders, affecting around 2.1 million people who have already been forcibly displaced multiple times.
  • Food prices in Gaza have surged fortyfold, according to UNRWA.
  • 134 deaths (including four recovered bodies) and 1,155 injuries were reported in the past 24 hours alone, bringing the total death toll to 59,029 and 142,135 wounded since 7 October 2023.

Sources:

  • The Gaza Health Ministry
  • United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)
  • United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
  • Army Radio
  • Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar
  • UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese
  • Former Israeli army Chief of Staff Moshe Ya'alon
  • Israeli Settlement Minister Orit Strook
  • Dailynewsegypt

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