Starvation in Gaza: The Devastating Human Toll, Fleeting Ceasefire Hopes, and Aid Roadblocks

Malec Paoli-Devictor

Environmental analyst and journalist

In Gaza, starvation is not an accident of war—it is a calculated strategy. With over 2.1 million people trapped under siege, the systematic denial of food, water, and medicine has pushed an entire population into catastrophic hunger. While recent ceasefires briefly opened corridors for aid, the respite is fleeting, and the obstacles to lasting relief remain deeply entrenched.

The prolonged blockade and conflict in Gaza have created one of the most severe humanitarian crises of the 21st century, with starvation weaponized against a civilian population. Since early 2025, Israel's intensified restrictions have cut off food, water, and medical supplies, pushing 2.1 million people to the brink of famine. UN experts and humanitarian organizations like Amnesty International warn that this systematic deprivation constitutes a potential act of genocide, with hunger used as a tool of war.[1] During periods of escalated violence, civilians face an impossible choice: risk death by gunfire while queuing for food at militarized distribution points or succumb to starvation.[2] Over 500 Palestinians have been killed and thousands injured in just weeks while attempting to access aid, underscoring the deadly consequences of obstructed humanitarian access.

Hopes Renewed by Ceasefire

The recent ceasefire has reignited fragile hope. During previous truces, such as the one beginning in January 2025, the World Food Programme (WFP) delivered over 30,000 metric tons of food—more than double the monthly average from late 2024—reaching one million people. Bakeries supported by WFP increased production fivefold, and nutritional support reached over 116,500 vulnerable women and children.[3] The ceasefire allowed markets to stabilize slightly, prices to drop, and digital cash assistance to expand, offering a glimpse of recovery. UNICEF and WFP stress that such progress is only possible when hostilities pause, enabling safe and large-scale aid delivery.[4]

Persistent Obstacles to Aid

Despite these gains, aid delivery remains critically hampered.[5] Israeli authorities continue to impose strict inspections, reject most aid trucks at border crossings, and limit convoy movements. As of October 2025, only a fraction of needed supplies enter daily, far below pre-ceasefire levels. UNICEF warns that 50,000 children face acute malnutrition, while up to 400,000 in northern Gaza have received no assistance for weeks.[6] UNRWA reports that 6,000 trucks of essential supplies remain stranded, blocked from entry.[7] The lack of clarity on humanitarian agencies' roles during the ceasefire further delays coordinated action.

In conclusion, while the ceasefire offers a vital window to alleviate suffering, sustained access, unimpeded border crossings, and international pressure are essential to prevent a return to mass starvation. The world must act decisively—delays cost lives.

Sources:

1. ReliefWeb. Humanitarian Situation Update No. 321: Gaza Strip (EN/AR/HE). United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), October 2025. Available at: https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/humanitarian-situation-update-321-gaza-strip-enarhe

2. UNRWA. Situation Report 191: Situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank (including East Jerusalem). United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, 2025. Available at: https://www.unrwa.org/resources/reports/unrwa-situation-report-191-situation-gaza-strip-and-west-bank-including-east-jerusalem

3. World Food Programme (WFP). Cessez-le-feu à Gaza : le PAM appelle à une ouverture durable des couloirs humanitaires, 2025. Available at: https://fr.wfp.org/histoires/cessez-le-feu-gaza-le-pam-appelle-une-ouverture-durable-des-couloirs-humanitaires

4. UNICEF. Scaling up supplies and services for children in the Gaza Strip (English press release), 2025. Available at: https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/scaling-supplies-and-services-children-gaza-strip

5. Arab News. UNICEF urges full flow of aid to Gaza, warns child deaths could spike, October 2025. Available at: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2618460/amp

6. Al-Monitor. UNICEF urges full flow of aid to Gaza, warns child deaths could spike, October 2025. Available at: https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/10/unicef-urges-full-flow-aid-gaza-warns-child-deaths-could-spike

7. UNRWA. Situation Report 183: Situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank (including East Jerusalem). United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, 2025. Available at: https://www.unrwa.org/resources/reports/unrwa-situation-report-183-situation-gaza-strip-and-west-bank-including-east-jerusalem