At least 67 children in Gaza have died of hunger since October 2023, according to the Government Media Office in the besieged territory. The announcement came on Saturday, marking the 103rd consecutive day of Israel’s total blockade of the Gaza Strip.
In its statement, the media office issued a dire warning that the death toll could escalate drastically in the coming weeks. It cited over 650,000 children under the age of five now at risk of life-threatening malnutrition due to a prolonged and near-total denial of essential food, medicine, and fuel into the enclave.
“Starvation is now killing what bombs have not,” the statement read, condemning the siege as one of the “most extreme forms of collective punishment in modern history.”
The government body reported that dozens of additional deaths had occurred in just the last three days alone, largely due to the continued Israeli obstruction of critical humanitarian supplies — including flour, infant formula, and medical provisions. It accused Israel of intentionally orchestrating mass starvation across the population.
Currently, around 1.25 million residents of Gaza are enduring catastrophic hunger, with over 96 percent of the population, including more than one million children, facing acute food insecurity, the office said. It placed full responsibility on Israel for what it called a “systematic and organised starvation campaign,” and blamed the international community — particularly Israel’s allies — for either enabling or ignoring the humanitarian crisis.
“We are sounding the alarm: this is a mass death sentence unfolding before the eyes of the world. Immediate international intervention is not optional; it’s a matter of life or death,” the statement emphasized.
Echoing these concerns, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) also released a statement on Saturday describing the worsening health conditions in Gaza caused by the ongoing blockade.
“No soap, no clean water. Children in Gaza can’t be bathed properly because of the ongoing siege,” said UNRWA, drawing attention to how overcrowded shelters and rising summer temperatures are creating an even more hazardous environment for displaced families.
UNRWA stressed the urgent need to lift the siege and resume the flow of humanitarian aid, including hygiene supplies. “The siege must be lifted. UNRWA must be allowed to resume delivering humanitarian aid, including hygiene items, into Gaza,” the agency urged.
Despite growing global pressure and widespread calls for a ceasefire, Israel has continued its military campaign in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023. According to local health authorities, the offensive has claimed the lives of nearly 57,900 Palestinians, most of them women and children, and has left the territory in ruins. The conflict has also caused widespread disease outbreaks and unprecedented food shortages.
International legal bodies have taken note of the situation. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Additionally, Israel faces an ongoing genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where it is being held accountable for the devastating effects of its military and humanitarian policies on Gaza’s civilian population.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, aid agencies and human rights groups continue to appeal for a comprehensive ceasefire, unrestricted access to humanitarian relief, and global accountability to stop what many have described as a slow-motion catastrophe.
What You Should Know
At least 67 children in Gaza have died of hunger as Israel’s blockade reaches 103 days. Over 650,000 more children face life-threatening malnutrition.
International bodies have accused Israel of war crimes and are demanding urgent humanitarian access to prevent further mass starvation.
