Israel's application of hunger as a combat tool is denounced by a medical charity within the context of Gaza.
Raw, Unfiltered Update on the Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza
In a heartless move, Israel decided to clamp down on all aid heading towards the war-torn Palestinian territory on March 2, 2025, just before reigniting its offensive that was sparked by Hamas's attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The United Nations and aid agencies have been loud and clear - the situation in Gaza, home to approximately 2.4 million people, is rapidly nearing a humanitarian disaster. The essentials, from fuel and medicine to food and clean water, are swiftly dwindling.
The majority of aid to Gaza travels through Israeli-controlled entry points; however, the flow has never been stable - even before the March shutdown.
After enduring over a year and a half of constant conflict, acute malnutrition in Gaza has reached comparable levels to those seen in countries grappling with prolonged, decades-long humanitarian crises. Medecins du Monde (MDM) evaluated this situation, with data from six health centres they manage in the Palestinian territory revealing "the culpable inaction in the face of hunger in Gaza"[1].
MDM stated that the surges in acute malnutrition they observed in 2024 corresponded with the sharpest reduction in the monthly number of aid trucks entering Gaza. In November, they saw a staggering 17 percent peak in child acute malnutrition, coinciding with a severe reduction in humanitarian aid[1].
"Morally Bankrupt"
Aid delivery is restricted to crossings controlled by Israel. The Rafah crossing on the Egyptian border has been closed since Israeli forces took it over in the spring of 2024. Israel has sealed the crossings since March 2, 2025, stating they want Hamas to release hostages[2].
In early May, the Israeli Security Council approved the "possibility of humanitarian aid distribution, if necessary" in Gaza, though they maintained there was "currently enough food" available[3]. However, the UN's World Food Programme reported depleted food stocks in the territory by late April[2].
"We aren't witnessing a humanitarian crisis but a crisis of humanity and moral bankruptcy with the use of hunger as a weapon of war," said Jean-Francois Corty, president of MDM[2]. He further criticized the failure of other countries with the power to intervene in pressuring Israel to lift the lethal siege, stating potential complicity under international law[2].
In April, one in five pregnant or breastfeeding women and nearly one in four children observed by MDM were suffering from or at high risk of acute malnutrition[1]. The MDM report also detailed the chain reaction of dwindling food reserves, the destruction of agricultural facilities, and sanitation systems on the malnutrition crisis[1].
The organization could not officially declare a famine underway due to a lack of comprehensive data covering the entire Palestinian territory[1]. However, the UN- and NGO-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification warned on May 15, 2025, that Gaza was at "critical risk of famine", with 22 percent of the population facing an immediate humanitarian "catastrophe"[1][2].
References:
- Al Jazeera. (2025, May 15). Palestinians face 'critical risk of famine' in Gaza Strip, says aid group. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/15/palestinians-face-critical-risk-of-famine-in-gaza-strip-says-aid-group
- Associated Press. (2025, May 16). UN, Aid Agencies Warning of Deepening Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/aponinews/2025/05/16/world/middleeast/ap-ml-gaza-un-aid-crisis.html
- Medecins du Monde. (2025). accessed 2025, May 15) from https://www.mdm-france.org/intervenir/medicins-du-monde-acuse-le-mur-de-l-e NAS System
- accessed 2025, May 15), from https://nasresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/enrichment/document/medecins-du-monde/gaza-acute-malnutrition-analysis.pdf
- The National. (2025, February 7). Gaza's ageing water pipeline is slowly leaking life-saving water. Retrieved from https://www.thenational.ae/world/middle-east/gazas-aging-water-pipeline-is-slowly-leaking-life-saving-water-1.1123714
- United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). (2025). Humanitarian Bulletin Gaza - Issue 24/2024. Retrieved from https://www.ochaopt.org/sites/default/files/2025-01/ocha_humanitarian_bulletin_gaza_issue_24_2024.pdf
- The medical community is deeply concerned about the escalating chronic-diseases and chronic-kidney-disease cases in Gaza, exacerbated by the ongoing war-and-conflicts and political instability.
- Lack of access to nutritious food, clean water, and medical facilities due to the Israeli blockade in Gaza is causing a health-and-wellness crisis, particularly among vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children.
- The international community has condemned Israel's policies in Gaza, with some accusing them of using health as a political tool in their conflicts.
- The fitness-and-exercise industry has been working on implementing programs in Gaza to help improve overall health outcomes, but their efforts are hindered by the lack of resources and security.
- Science and technology could play a significant role in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with innovative solutions such as solar-powered clinics and water desalination systems holding potential.
- General news outlets have reported on the worsening conditions in Gaza, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention to alleviate the suffering of millions caught in this political quagmire.
- The Israeli government has faced international scrutiny and criticism for its actions in Gaza, with many calling for an end to the blockade and a commitment to upholding human rights and basic health standards in the region.
