Gaza Declared Famine Zone: 66,000 Children Malnourished, Hospitals Near Collapse, Food Prices Up 1400%

The Palestinian Authority has declared Gaza a 'famine zone' as Israel's blockade, in place for over two months, has halted the entry of food, water, medicine, and humanitarian aid. The blockade has led to severe shortages and price increases, with food costs rising by up to 1400%. Community kitchens and 25 bakeries have closed due to lack of supplies, and many families are grinding pasta or rice to make bread. Some are resorting to eating bird feed or grass to quiet children's hunger. According to the United Nations and Gaza's Ministry of Health, at least 66,000 children are suffering from acute malnutrition, with 10,000 cases of acute malnutrition identified since the start of the year. Up to 290,000 children are on the brink of starvation, 3,500 children face imminent death, and 1 million children lack sufficient food. Reports indicate that 92% of children and breastfeeding mothers are experiencing severe malnutrition, and at least 57 deaths—mostly children—have been attributed to hunger since the start of the year. Hospitals in Gaza are nearing total collapse. Authorities warn that fuel and medical supplies will run out within 48 hours, impacting intensive care units, nurseries, and operating rooms. Hospital bed occupancy has reached 88%, and over 40% of essential medicines and 60% of medical supplies are out of stock. Fuel shortages have further crippled hospital operations. The population of Gaza, estimated at 2.3 million, is facing catastrophic food insecurity. Aid organizations report that the near-total closure of border crossings has made relief operations nearly impossible, and 65% of residents lack access to clean water. Amid the collapse of law and order, there has been a surge in looting and theft of humanitarian aid warehouses and food supplies. The Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohamed Mustafa, has called on the United Nations and the international community to urgently intervene, citing international law that prohibits the use of starvation as a weapon of war. The ongoing conflict and blockade have resulted in the deaths of more than 52,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities. Recent strikes have also killed 29 people at a school shelter.