Quick Read
- Israel’s plan to seize Gaza City has drawn global condemnation.
- Hunger-related deaths in Gaza are rising due to severe malnutrition.
- WHO reports nearly 12,000 malnourished children in July 2025 alone.
- Global leaders call for a ceasefire and urgent humanitarian aid.
The Gaza Strip is currently grappling with an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by escalating military operations and a prolonged Israeli blockade. Hunger and malnutrition have reached alarming levels, with local and international organizations warning of dire consequences if immediate action is not taken.
Escalating Conflict and Its Humanitarian Toll
On August 8, 2025, Israel’s security cabinet approved a plan to seize control of Gaza City, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. According to Al Jazeera, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the decision as part of broader plans to take military control of the entire Gaza Strip. The move has drawn widespread condemnation, with critics warning of catastrophic humanitarian consequences for the already beleaguered Palestinian population.
Netanyahu’s plan has been described by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as a “complete crime,” accusing Israel of perpetuating genocide and systematic starvation. Human rights organizations and the United Nations have echoed these concerns. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that the decision risks “deepening the already catastrophic consequences” for millions of Palestinians, urging Israel to comply with international law and calling for a permanent ceasefire.
Hunger Crisis and Rising Deaths
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated to alarming levels, with hunger and malnutrition becoming widespread. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that nearly 12,000 children under five were diagnosed with acute malnutrition in July 2025, the highest monthly figure ever recorded. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that 99 people, including 29 children under five, have died from malnutrition this year alone, a figure likely underreported. “The health system in Gaza is collapsing,” he added, citing severe shortages of food, medicine, and medical equipment.
Restrictions on humanitarian aid have further compounded the crisis. The Israeli blockade has made it nearly impossible to deliver essential supplies, leaving thousands at risk of starvation and death. The WHO has called for the immediate reopening of crossings and unhindered access for aid organizations, stressing the urgent need for international action to save lives.
Global Response and Criticism
The international community has reacted strongly to Israel’s actions in Gaza. United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the escalation “wrong” and urged Israel to reconsider its approach, warning that it would only lead to more bloodshed. Similarly, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “serious concerns” and called for an immediate cessation of military actions, emphasizing that Gaza is an integral part of Palestinian territory.
Germany has taken a bold step by halting military supplies to Israel that could be used in Gaza operations. Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the decision, citing the suffering of civilians. This move has drawn criticism from Netanyahu, but it highlights the growing international pressure on Israel to reconsider its actions in Gaza.
Calls for Ceasefire and Long-term Solutions
Amid the escalating crisis, there are growing calls for a ceasefire and a return to negotiations for a two-state solution. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk emphasized that Israel’s actions contradict international rulings and undermine the Palestinians’ right to self-determination. Palestinian groups, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, have warned that Israel’s military actions will only escalate the conflict, putting both Palestinians and Israeli hostages at greater risk.
The path forward remains uncertain, but the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. The international community must act swiftly to address the immediate humanitarian needs in Gaza while working toward a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza serves as a stark reminder of the devastating human cost of prolonged conflict. The world must unite to prevent further suffering and pave the way for peace and stability in the region.