A "large proportion" of Gaza's population is starving, according to World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. At least 111 people, including 80 children, have died from starvation in recent days. Over 100 aid agencies, including Doctors Without Borders, Oxfam, and Amnesty International, have accused Israel of blocking humanitarian aid, causing a "man-made" hunger crisis. Aid agencies report that tons of food, water, and medical supplies remain untouched due to access restrictions. An aid worker quoted in the agencies' letter described children wishing for death to escape hunger. Daily aid distribution is drastically reduced from pre-conflict levels.

The crisis unfolds amid escalating violence. Israeli strikes killed at least 21 Palestinians on Wednesday alone, including two journalists. Israel's military activity has intensified, while the death toll from the ongoing conflict has surpassed 59,000, with over 1,000 deaths attributed to attempts to reach food distribution points since May. The Israeli government has extended the detention of Gaza's acting director of field hospitals. While a ceasefire is being negotiated, serious obstacles remain. 28 countries, including the UK, have condemned Israel's actions, although they haven't yet threatened sanctions.

Impact Statement: The mass starvation in Gaza constitutes a major humanitarian catastrophe, demanding immediate international intervention to alleviate suffering and hold accountable those responsible for the crisis.