'Mounting evidence of widespread starvation' in Gaza, IPC says, as Israel warned over aid access

By Haseeb

GAZA – July 2025 — A humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in Gaza, with the latest report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) revealing mounting evidence of widespread starvation. The international community is now issuing strong warnings to Israel over its continued restrictions on humanitarian aid and essential food supplies entering the war-torn enclave.

The IPC, a global standard for assessing food insecurity, has painted a grim picture in its mid-year update. According to their latest figures, over 500,000 Palestinians are facing emergency or catastrophic levels of hunger, with thousands at imminent risk of famine if access to food, clean water, and medical supplies is not restored immediately.

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“Famine-like Conditions Are a Reality”

The IPC’s report categorically states that “famine-like conditions are no longer theoretical—they are the daily reality for families trapped in Gaza.” Satellite imagery, field assessments, and first-hand testimony from aid organizations have revealed dramatic increases in child malnutrition, maternal starvation, and the collapse of local food systems.

At least six more children died from malnutrition-related causes in the past week alone, bringing the total to over 150 confirmed deaths—figures that are believed to be severely underreported due to limited access and ongoing bombardments.

Israel Under International Pressure

As the Israeli siege on Gaza tightens, global outrage has surged. Several United Nations agencies, including the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF, have called on Israel to immediately lift barriers on humanitarian aid. Reports indicate dozens of aid trucks are being delayed or blocked at border crossings, often with perishable food left to rot in the heat.

In a rare joint statement, over 45 humanitarian organizations warned:

“Deliberate obstruction of aid is not only a violation of international law—it is a death sentence for thousands of innocent civilians.”

The United States, European Union, and Arab League have all urged Israel to increase access points, allow unfettered entry of relief supplies, and facilitate the operation of humanitarian corridors. Failure to act, many warn, could further destabilize the region and lead to irreversible human loss.

The Collapse of Gaza’s Food System

Gaza’s once-fragile food distribution networks have been completely decimated. Bakeries, markets, and supply chains have been bombed, and over 80% of agricultural land is now either inaccessible or destroyed. Fisheries, a traditional source of protein for thousands, remain off-limits due to naval blockades.

Gaza residents report being forced to survive on wild herbs, salty water, and flour mixed with sand. Mothers are skipping meals to feed children, and newborns are being fed diluted milk substitutes—many of which are unsafe.

A mother of five from northern Gaza told reporters:

“We cook leaves and hope they don’t make us sick. My youngest cries all night from hunger. I don’t know how long we can survive.”

Humanitarian Response Blocked and Bombed

Despite pledges of aid from Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and others, multiple convoys have been turned back or bombed during delivery. International NGOs like Doctors Without Borders and the Red Crescent are warning they cannot safely operate without guaranteed protection.

Israel maintains that it allows aid “when security permits,” but human rights observers claim that arbitrary inspection delays, unexplained rejections, and targeted strikes are contributing to a worsening crisis.

Amnesty International issued a scathing report accusing Israeli authorities of “weaponizing hunger”—an allegation Israel strongly denies.

Calls for Immediate Ceasefire

The growing scale of the crisis has reinvigorated global calls for a permanent ceasefire. The United Nations Security Council, scheduled for an emergency session next week, will deliberate on a resolution to impose mandatory humanitarian access, enforce daily pauses in fighting, and deploy an international aid monitoring force.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated:

“Starvation must never be used as a method of warfare. What we are seeing in Gaza is not just a crisis—it is a moral failure of the global community.”

The Road Ahead: What Needs to Be Done

To prevent a full-blown famine, aid agencies demand the following urgent actions:

Immediate and unconditional opening of all border crossings for humanitarian aid.
Daily humanitarian corridors with security guarantees for aid workers.
Restoration of Gaza’s food production infrastructure, including water and electricity.
Independent international monitoring to ensure fair distribution of supplies.
Long-term political negotiations to end the siege and find a sustainable resolution.

Conclusion: A Test of Humanity

The situation in Gaza is no longer about politics—it is a matter of life and death. With each passing day, children die not from bombs, but from emptiness in their stomachs. The global community, especially powerful nations and regional players, must decide whether they will continue to watch from the sidelines, or step in to protect the innocent.

History will remember the silence. And it will remember the lives lost—not just in battle, but in hunger, fear, and desperation.

Writer: Haseeb
For NFLLiveScores.com | Independent Middle East Report | July 2025

‘Mounting evidence of widespread starvation’ in Gaza, IPC says, as Israel warned over aid access