UN Says Gaza Hunger Crisis Is Worsening Rapidly
The Gaza hunger crisis is deepening, with nearly one-third of the population going days without food, according to the United Nations. The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that 90,000 women and children urgently need treatment for severe malnutrition.
The situation has become so critical that nine more people died from hunger on Friday, raising the total to 122 since the war began. The UN warns the food situation is rapidly deteriorating.
Delays and Disagreements Over Humanitarian Aid
Despite the crisis, Israel maintains it has not blocked aid and blames Hamas for the food shortages. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently said the UK may join aerial aid drops into Gaza. However, many aid groups argue that airdrops are not an efficient solution.
Israel has reportedly agreed to allow such drops, but logistical and political hurdles remain. Jordan, for example, still lacks Israeli clearance to carry out airdrops. The UN criticized these moves as a distraction from the lack of direct aid delivery.
Germany, France, and the UK jointly urged Israel to immediately lift restrictions on aid. They called the current situation in Gaza a “humanitarian catastrophe” and demanded compliance with international humanitarian law.
Calls for Ceasefire and Deeper Investigation
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the “lack of compassion” shown by global leaders. He revealed that over 1,000 Palestinians were killed while trying to collect food since May 27.
A former U.S. contractor claimed witnessing war crimes by Israeli and U.S. forces at food sites. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation rejected the claims, saying the man was fired for misconduct.
Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations remain stalled. Talks in Qatar collapsed after both the U.S. and Israel withdrew their teams. Yet, Hamas claims negotiations are not over.
Israel began its war in Gaza after the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas that killed 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages. Since then, over 59,000 Gazans have reportedly died, and most of Gaza’s population is now displaced. The Gaza hunger crisis continues to worsen under heavy conflict and aid blockades.
