5 months ago
The Gaza Health Ministry reports that nearly 100 children have died from malnutrition amid the ongoing war as the territory faces a severe humanitarian and hunger crisis. Israel controls aid deliveries into the territory and people seeking food at aid checkpoints have been killed by Israeli gunfire on multiple occasions.
Newsweek has reached out to the Israeli Prime Minister's office for comment via email on Saturday.
Why It Matters
Humanitarian aid groups have warned for months that Gaza is nearing famine. Israel, which controls the entry of aid into the enclave, has severely restricted access—tightening constraints even further since the collapse of the last ceasefire in March. From March to mid-May, no aid was allowed into Gaza.
In addition to limited supplies, the distribution of aid has turned deadly, with human rights groups criticizing the U.S. and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund's (GHF) approach, which has forced Palestinians into fenced enclosures and exposed aid seekers to Israeli fire. The United Nations (UN) estimates that Israel has killed around 1,400 Palestinians trying to get food since May.
The high death toll related to malnutrition comes as Israel says it will take over Gaza City.
What To Know
Since Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, in which the Palestinian militant group killed approximately 1,200 people and took 250 hostages, nearly 100 children in Gaza have died from malnutrition-related causes, according to the Associated Press.
Following additional starvation-related deaths on Saturday, the number of children who have died from malnutrition-related causes has risen to 98. The Gaza Health Ministry says a total of 212 people have died from malnutrition since the 22 months-long war began.
The deaths come as reports of around one to a couple dozen of Palestinians seeking aid were shot and killed by Israeli forces on Saturday, with the Associated Press reporting 11 Palestinians were killed.
In a media briefing on August 7, World Health Organization (WHO) director-general Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said: "Malnutrition is widespread and hunger-related deaths are rising. In July, nearly 12 000 children under five years were identified as suffering from acute malnutrition, the highest monthly figure ever recorded."
He noted that at the time, WHO has confirmed, "So far this year, 99 people have died from malnutrition, including 29 children under five. These reported numbers are likely underestimates."
President Donald Trump, who has been an ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told reporters in late-July that he saw photographs of Palestinians who "look very hungry" and said there's "real starvation" in Gaza, a day after Netanyahu denied the claims.
A daily limited military pause has been in effect in Gaza, allowing for aid drops. Earlier this week, footage captured from a Jordanian aid drop over Gaza showcased the mass destruction in the war-torn territory, where more than 61,300 Palestinians have been killed.
The limited pauses started at the end of July and came just days after Israeli forces killed around 100 Palestinians in multiple incidents near the Zikim crossing in northern Gaza as they sought food aid. Israel's military has said it fired warning shots to distance a crowd "in response to an immediate threat."
On Friday, Israel announced it has approved plans to take over Gaza City, sparking international condemnation, including a joint statement from nine countries who "strongly reject" the move. Leaders have warned that any attempt to annex or establish a settlement in Gaza is a violation of international law. Israel already controls large swaths of Gaza and has cordoned off military sections.
What People Are Saying
Ofir Akunis, consul general of Israel in New York, told Newsweek on July 30: "There is no deliberate starvation in Gaza, only a deliberate disinformation campaign orchestrated by Hamas and amplified by those who fail to act. Hamas doesn't care about the suffering of children, only about weaponizing their pain to spread hatred against Israel."
The World Food Programme (WFP) said in an X post Saturday: "We can't let #Gaza starve. We must reach those most at risk of starvation - safely, consistently, and with dignity. At least 100 trucks every day. Faster approvals & safer routes inside Gaza. Bakeries & community kitchens running again A ceasefire is the only way forward."
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in an X post Friday: "The Israeli Government's decision to further escalate its offensive in Gaza is wrong, and we urge it to reconsider immediately. Every day the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens and hostages taken by Hamas are being held in appalling and inhuman conditions. We need a ceasefire now."
Stephanie Tremblay, associate spokesperson for the U.N. secretary-general, said in an August 8 statement: "The Secretary-General is gravely alarmed by the decision of the Israeli Government to 'take control of Gaza City.' This decision marks a dangerous escalation and risks deepening the already catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians, and could further endanger more lives, including of the remaining hostages.
"Palestinians in Gaza continue to endure a humanitarian catastrophe of horrific proportions. The Secretary-General warns that this further escalation will result in additional forced displacement, killings and massive destruction, compounding the unimaginable suffering of the Palestinian population in Gaza."
What Happens Next?
The United Kingdom has pledged an additional 8.5 million pounds ($10.8 million) in humanitarian aid for Gaza after Netanyahu announced plans to take over Gaza City. The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting Sunday morning to discuss Israel's proposal, according to the Associated Press.
Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.
Update 8/9/25, 4:33 p.m. ET: This article has been updated for clarity.
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