At least 57 Palestinians have died from starvation in Gaza as Israel’s blockade continues for a third month. This blockade has restricted food, water, and essential aid to the region amid ongoing airstrikes. The Gaza Government Media Office reported that many of the victims are children, the elderly, and those with health issues. They condemned Israel’s use of food as a weapon and called on the international community to pressure Israel to allow aid into Gaza.
Since March 2, Gaza has been under a total blockade. Reports show that trucks carrying vital supplies are stuck at the border with Egypt, with queues extending far beyond the Rafah crossing. One of the latest victims was a baby girl named Janan Saleh al-Sakafi, who died from malnutrition and dehydration in a local hospital. The United Nations has noted that over 9,000 children have been treated for acute malnutrition this year.
Witnesses in Gaza City describe heartbreaking scenes, with children searching through trash for leftover food. Community kitchens are unable to provide meals for those displaced, and many charities have run out of supplies. One resident expressed frustration at the sight of trucks filled with aid being denied entry while people suffer.
Hospitals in Gaza are also facing severe shortages. The director of the Kuwaiti Hospital in Rafah stated that over 75% of essential medicines are unavailable, with only about a week’s worth of supplies left. He warned that without immediate aid, medical services could collapse, leaving patients without necessary treatment.
The blockade is the longest Gaza has ever experienced, coinciding with intensified Israeli bombardments that have killed at least 70 Palestinians and injured 275 in just a few days. Since the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, more than 52,000 people have died, with many more missing under the rubble.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with many calling for urgent action to alleviate the suffering of its people.