Israel's Blockade of Gaza Worsens Malnutrition, Kills Palestinian Journalists

Strategic Insights -

As Israel's siege of Gaza continues, the already dire humanitarian situation has taken a drastic turn, with five more Palestinians, including a child, dying from malnutrition in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of severe hunger deaths to 222, including 101 children. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has sounded the alarm, stating that "children in Gaza are dying from starvation and bombardments." Meanwhile, at least 46 Palestinians were killed in Israeli raids across Gaza since dawn on Monday, including six aid seekers. The Palestinian journalists who were assassinated by Israel have sparked an outpouring of grief and condemnation, with the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, Irene Khan, warning of "unfounded accusations" by the Israeli army against the slain journalists.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 222 Palestinians, including 101 children, have died from severe hunger in Gaza, with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, stating that "children in Gaza are dying from starvation and bombardments."
  • Five more Palestinians, including a child, have died from malnutrition in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of pediatric malnutrition-related deaths to 101.
  • At least 46 Palestinians were killed in Israeli raids across Gaza since dawn on Monday, including six aid seekers.
  • The Israeli military has assassinated five Al Jazeera journalists, including prominent correspondent Anas al-Sharif, in a drone attack that hit a tent for journalists positioned outside the main gate of Gaza City's al-Shifa Hospital.
  • The UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, Irene Khan, has warned of "unfounded accusations" by the Israeli army against the slain journalists.
  • Meron Rapoport, a veteran Israeli journalist, has stated that Israel likely targeted al-Sharif because of his important role in "telling the world that there is famine in Gaza" and because of the planned upcoming seizure of Gaza City.

Statistics:

  • 222 Palestinians, including 101 children, have died from severe hunger in Gaza.
  • 46 Palestinians were killed in Israeli raids across Gaza since dawn on Monday.
  • 6 aid seekers were among those killed in Israeli raids.
  • The Israeli military has assassinated at least 61,499 Palestinians, including at least 270 journalists and media workers, since October 7, 2023.
  • 153,575 Palestinians have been wounded in Israeli raids across Gaza since October 7, 2023.

Sources:

  • "UN says every child under five in Gaza at risk of malnutrition" by Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/4/un-says-every-child-under-five-in-gaza-at-risk-of-malnourishment
  • "Live: Israel claims responsibility for murder of Al Jazeera's Al Sharif" by Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/8/11/live-israel-claims-responsibility-for-murder-of-al-jazeeras-al-sharif
  • "Tributes, condemnation pour in for slain Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza" by Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/11/tributes-condemnation-pour-in-for-slain-al-jazeera-journalists-in-gaza
  • "Israel kills Anas al-Sharif and four Al Jazeera staff in Gaza. What to know" by Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2025/8/11/israel-kills-anasal-sharif-and-four-al-jazeera-in-gaza-what-to-know