Gaza Health Ministry Warns Hundreds Face Imminent Starvation Death as 470,000 Face Famine

Gaza – The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza issued an urgent press statement on July 18, 2025, warning of a catastrophic humanitarian crisis as "unprecedented numbers of starving citizens, of all ages, are arriving at emergency departments in critical condition, suffering from extreme exhaustion and severe fatigue." The Ministry cautioned that "hundreds, whose bodies have wasted away, are now at risk of imminent death due to hunger and the complete collapse of their physical endurance."

This dire warning comes as humanitarian organizations report a deepening food crisis across the Gaza Strip. According to the Red Cross, approximately 470,000 people, or 22% of the population, are currently facing starvation, with nearly one in three individuals going days without eating, as reported by the World Food Programme (WFP). The widespread hunger has led to desperate measures, with many families struggling to find even one nutritiously poor meal per day.

Emergency departments are overwhelmed by patients suffering from severe malnutrition and related complications. The health system, already on the brink of collapse, faces critical shortages of medicines, medical supplies, and fuel, severely hindering its ability to provide life-saving care. Hospitals are operating far beyond capacity, and essential services are at risk of shutting down entirely due to the lack of resources.

Accessing the limited aid available has become a deadly endeavor. The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) reported that at least 875 people have been killed trying to obtain food since May 27, 2025, with 674 of these deaths occurring near controversial militarized distribution sites. In one incident on July 16, 2025, Gaza's Health Ministry reported 21 deaths at a GHF aid site in Khan Younis, with 15 attributed to stampedes and suffocation after tear gas was reportedly fired into crowds of aid seekers.

Children are disproportionately affected by the escalating crisis. UNICEF data from May 2025 revealed a significant increase in child malnutrition, with 5,119 children aged 6 months to 5 years admitted for treatment in that month alone, a 50% increase from April. The long-term impact of malnutrition on children includes stunted growth, impaired cognitive development, and increased vulnerability to diseases, threatening an entire generation.

The ongoing conflict and severe restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid continue to exacerbate the crisis. Despite urgent calls from international bodies, aid delivery remains severely constrained by blockades and security challenges, leaving millions displaced and without essential resources. The situation underscores the urgent need for unimpeded humanitarian access and a lasting resolution to prevent further loss of life.