Two months ago, aid organizations warned that the ongoing Israeli blockade and military actions in Gaza would soon lead to widespread starvation. Currently, that crisis has become a reality, with aid groups and officials reporting alarming levels of malnutrition among Palestinians.

More than 100 aid organizations have issued a joint statement describing the dire humanitarian situation. Doctors report record levels of malnutrition, and aid workers are risking their lives to provide food—sometimes lining up at food distribution points themselves. The blockade has severely restricted access to essentials like food, water, medical supplies, and fuel, exacerbating the crisis. Humanitarian groups are calling for the opening of all land crossings, the full resumption of aid flows, and a ceasefire to prevent further catastrophe.

Over the past 24 hours, reports indicate that more than a dozen individuals have died from hunger, with the UN highlighting that nearly one-third of Gaza’s population faces day-long food shortages, and around 90,000 women and children urgently need nutrition support. Images depict children like Muhammad Zakariya Ayyoub al-Matouq, who has dropped from 9 to 6 kilograms, struggling to survive without basic necessities in Gaza City.

The establishment of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed aid distribution system, has faced criticism for its inefficiency and dangers. All four distribution sites are under Israeli military control and rarely provide sufficient aid. Palestinians attempting to access these sites often face violence; recent incidents have resulted in the killing of civilians, including at least 80 deaths during aid convoy pursuits, with many others injured or killed in nearby attacks near aid points.

The UN reports over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed since the aid system was introduced, primarily near aid sites and UN facilities. Israeli Defense Forces have not commented on the specific incidents, but the international community continues to express concern. U.S. support for Israel’s military operations in Gaza has surpassed $18 billion since October 2023, further complicating efforts to address the crisis.

Humanitarian agencies warn that supplies are available in neighboring countries but are inaccessible due to ongoing blockades. UN officials describe Gaza’s population as “walking corpses”—neither fully alive nor dead—struggling with extreme hunger, weak health, and collapsing coping mechanisms. Medical staff and journalists are also suffering from starvation, highlighting the scale of the crisis.

As the humanitarian situation deteriorates further, urgent international action is needed to address the blockade, provide aid, and prevent further loss of life.