Starvation in Gaza: Children among dozens dead as aid blocked

KATHMANDU: At least 57 Palestinians, mostly children, have died from malnutrition in the Gaza Strip since the outbreak of the Israeli offensive on Oct 7, 2023, according to local health authorities.

The rising death toll from malnutrition comes amid Israel’s ongoing blockade and the near-collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system.

Officials report that widespread anemia and severe food shortages have left the majority of Gaza’s population in critical condition due to prolonged undernourishment.

Following the expiration of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas in January, Israel halted the entry of essential goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2.

With no consensus reached for a second phase of the deal, humanitarian conditions have continued to deteriorate.

Israel resumed military operations in the enclave on March 18, launching renewed air and ground offensives. Since then, at least 2,396 Palestinians have been killed and 6,325 injured.

According to Gaza’s health authorities, the total death toll since Oct 2023 has now reached 52,495, with at least 118,366 people wounded.

International aid agencies and rights groups have repeatedly warned of an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe, urging immediate action to ensure food, medical supplies, and aid reach those in need.