Gaza Faces Humanitarian Crisis: Death Toll Surpasses 60,000 Amidst Famine Fears

Gaza Faces “Manmade Famine” Amidst aid Disputes and Evacuations

Gaza City – The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza has escalated, with reports indicating that formal famine thresholds are already being met for food consumption and acute malnutrition in several areas, especially Gaza City. Experts warn that official famine declarations often lag behind the devastating reality on the ground.

David Miliband, head of the International Rescue Committee, emphasized the grim precedent set by past crises, stating, “By the time famine is declared, it will already be too late.” He drew a parallel to the situation in Somalia in 2011, where a famine declaration came after hundreds of thousands had already perished.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has now entered its eighth month, has severely disrupted aid delivery. While limited UN-led aid operations resumed on May 19th, a new U.S.-based Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), supported by Israel and the United States, also began distributing food aid. This has ignited a contentious debate between Israel, the U.S., and the GHF on one side, and the UN, international aid groups, and numerous governments on the other.

Accusations have flown, with Israel and the U.S. claiming Hamas is stealing aid – a charge the militants deny – and criticizing the UN for failing to prevent it. The UN, however, states it has found little evidence of notable aid diversion by Hamas.

compounding the crisis, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) revealed that 88% of Gaza is currently under evacuation orders or located within militarized zones. The IPC also raised serious concerns about the GHF’s distribution efforts, noting that most of the food items provided “require water and fuel to cook, which are largely unavailable.” Their Famine Review Committee concluded that the GHF’s distribution plan could “lead to mass starvation.” The GHF, which has stated it has distributed over 96 million meals, was unavailable for immediate comment.

CARE Palestine Country Director, Jolien Veldwijk, described the situation as a “manmade famine, caused by Israel’s siege and the purposeful obstruction of aid, fuelled by the inaction of world leaders.” She added,”The haunting images of emaciated children are evidence of a failure of humanity to act.”

The conflict began on October 7, 2023, with an attack by Hamas on southern Israel that resulted in 1,200 deaths and the taking of approximately 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures.Israel has since resumed airdrops of aid into Gaza following widespread international criticism regarding the worsening hunger crisis. The Israeli military has also announced a daily “tactical pause” in specific areas to facilitate greater humanitarian aid delivery.

What specific challenges are hindering aid delivery to Gaza,as identified by the ICRC and recent reports?

The escalating Death Toll and Civilian Impact

As of July 29,2025,the conflict in Gaza has resulted in a devastating loss of life,with the confirmed death toll exceeding 60,000 Palestinians,according to reports from the Gaza Health Ministry. This figure includes a significant number of women and children, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the crisis on the civilian population. The ongoing bombardment and ground operations have led to widespread destruction of infrastructure,including hospitals,schools,and residential buildings.

Confirmed Fatalities: Over 60,000

Injured: Estimated at over 150,000,many with life-altering injuries.

Displaced population: approximately 2.6 million Gazans – the vast majority of the population – have been internally displaced, seeking refuge in overcrowded shelters and makeshift camps.

The sheer scale of casualties is placing an immense strain on Gaza’s already fragile healthcare system. Medical facilities are overwhelmed, lacking essential supplies, and frequently targeted, hindering their ability to provide adequate care. The collapse of healthcare infrastructure is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and contributing to preventable deaths.

The Looming Threat of Famine in Gaza

Beyond the immediate casualties of the conflict, a catastrophic famine is rapidly unfolding in Gaza. International organizations, including the World Food Program (WFP) and UNICEF, have repeatedly warned of the dire food security situation.

Factors contributing to Famine:

1. Restricted aid Access: Severe restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid, including food, water, and medical supplies, are preventing aid organizations from reaching those in need. Bureaucratic hurdles and security concerns continue to impede the delivery of essential assistance.
2. Disrupted agricultural Production: The conflict has decimated gaza’s agricultural sector. Farmlands have been destroyed, irrigation systems damaged, and farmers displaced, leading to a drastic reduction in local food production.
3. economic collapse: The blockade and ongoing conflict have crippled Gaza’s economy, leading to widespread unemployment and poverty. The inability to access markets and earn a livelihood is pushing families to the brink of starvation.
4. Water Scarcity: access to clean water is severely limited, with many gazans relying on unsafe sources. Waterborne diseases are on the rise, further compounding the health crisis.

Humanitarian Aid Efforts and Challenges

Despite the immense challenges, international organizations and aid agencies are working tirelessly to provide assistance to the people of Gaza. However,their efforts are hampered by the ongoing conflict and restrictions on access.

Key Aid Organizations Involved: World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, UNRWA, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Types of aid Provided: Food assistance, medical supplies, shelter, water and sanitation, psychosocial support.

Challenges to Aid Delivery: Security concerns, bureaucratic obstacles, damage to infrastructure, limited access to affected areas.

Recent reports indicate that aid deliveries are falling far short of the required amount to meet the growing needs of the population. The UN estimates that a significant increase in aid is urgently needed to avert a full-scale famine. The Rafah crossing, a crucial entry point for aid, has faced intermittent closures, further disrupting the flow of supplies.

The Impact on Children and Vulnerable Populations

The humanitarian crisis in gaza is having a notably devastating impact on children.

Malnutrition Rates: Alarmingly high rates of acute malnutrition among children under five are being reported,with a significant risk of long-term developmental consequences.

Psychological Trauma: The constant exposure to violence and loss is causing widespread psychological trauma among children, leading to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Disrupted Education: The conflict has disrupted education for hundreds of thousands of children, jeopardizing their future prospects. Schools have been damaged or used as shelters,and many teachers have been displaced.

Vulnerable Groups: Elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and pregnant and lactating women are particularly vulnerable to the effects of the crisis, requiring specialized assistance.

International Response and Calls for ceasefire

The international community has expressed growing concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and has called for an immediate ceasefire to allow for the unimpeded delivery of aid.

* UN Resolutions: The United Nations Security Council has passed several