The Gaza Strip is suffering from chronic food shortages as a result of Israel’s tight blockade, which began 18 years ago. But the situation had not reached the level of famine as it is now from the start of the October 7 war. The people of Gaza are facing a dire situation due to an acute food crisis as a result of food and water shortages, and these conditions have pushed society to the brink of famine.
Causes of Famine in Gaza
Since the start of the war on the Gaza Strip, famine has been targeted to kill people’s bodies and thus the occupation practices a silent genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The Israeli occupation imposed a suffocating siege on Gaza and prevented the entry of food, water, fuel and medicine. Very little aid is allowed in that is not enough for the population, but since the war resumed, all crossings have been closed and aid has been denied.
The Israeli occupation has also targeted farms, greenhouses, food stores and agricultural production machinery. Markets, bakeries and food factories were destroyed or shut down due to shelling or lack of fuel, destroying agricultural and commercial infrastructure.
In addition to the collapse of the health system and basic services, where undernourishment led to diseases, especially among children, in the absence of medical care, in addition to hospitals facing severe shortages of food and therapeutic food, especially for cases of severe malnutrition. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced from their homes to more crowded areas, straining the limited food resources in those areas.
Delaying or obstructing the work of relief organizations also makes it difficult for civilians to reach as a result of shelling or security restrictions, and trucks that are impounded or denied transit also contribute to food shortages.
A number of Palestinian civilians came under direct fire while trying to reach humanitarian distribution points after being told by the Israeli occupation forces to go to those areas to receive food and assistance. However, civilians found themselves in the crossfire, causing many casualties and increasing the suffering of Gaza’s already hungry, displaced and in constant danger.
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How does famine affect the lives of people in Gaza?
Gazans face starvation and displacement in light of the ongoing escalation in the Gaza Strip, and the entire Gaza Strip is classified as food insecure, and famine extends to destroy human life at all levels of health, psychological, social, and economic. Here are the effects of famine on human life in Gaza:
1. Acute malnutrition: weakens the immune system, leads to wasting, anemia, in addition to pregnant and lactating women are exposed to serious complications such as abortion, premature birth, or the production of insufficient milk.
2. Death: As a result of the lack of food for many hours to days, the Gaza Strip witnessed the death of at least 57 children from acute malnutrition since the beginning of the aid blockade on March 2, 2025.
3. Economic situation in Gaza: Food prices have risen to record levels due to the availability of very small quantities of food, where the World Food Programme (WFP) indicated that the price of loaf has risen 15 times above its official level before the closure of the crossings.
3. Destruction of agricultural land and groundwater: Bombardment has resulted in the destruction of agricultural land and olive groves, the elimination of more than 90% of livestock, as well as damage to water infrastructure, irrigation and groundwater pollution.
One of the thousands of tragic stories that constantly happen in Gaza caused by famine:
A woman breastfeeds her baby " lentil soup" because of her inability to buy baby milk, as the price of one bottle of milk amounted to about $ 90, and people these days can not afford the cost, while it is just a can enough for a baby for 5 days. This threatens the lives of thousands of helpless infants.
What are the solutions to the famine in Gaza?
Increased humanitarian assistance
An urgent and regular increase in humanitarian assistance is one of the most important possible solutions to alleviate famine and save lives. This includes expanding the entry of basic foodstuffs, clean water and medical items through the crossings, without delay or restrictions. This aid must also be guaranteed to reach those in need, especially children, the sick and displaced.
The continued flow of adequate and regular aid can reduce the prevalence of hunger and malnutrition, with families suffering from food insecurity and lack of basic survival.
Agriculture Support
Reviving and supporting the agricultural sector is an important solution to famine in the medium and long term. This includes providing seeds, tools, and agricultural equipment, as well as rehabilitating damaged land and enabling farmers to return to work. The creation of sustainable small-scale agricultural projects within the sector, such as home-based farming or hydroponics, can effectively contribute to the provision of fresh food and reduce overall aid dependency.
Press Release
Media pressure is one of the most effective tools in highlighting the famine disaster faced by civilians in Gaza, especially in light of attempts to cover up what is happening. Through continuous coverage in local and international media, publishing humanitarian stories, photos, and field reports.
Digital media and social media platforms expose abuses, break the silence, and push the international community to take practical steps such as opening crossings and securing aid.
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