At least 113 people have died of hunger in Gaza, 45 in the last four days, according to UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini, who described the situation as a "deepening crisis" with UN staff fainting from hunger. Lazzarini stated on X that Gazans are "walking corpses." Reports detail people fainting and dying from starvation, with civil defense workers releasing images of emaciated bodies. A proposed ceasefire deal, involving Hamas releasing hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and increased aid, is under negotiation, with an Israeli official describing the latest Hamas proposal as "workable." However, significant gaps remain, particularly concerning Israeli troop withdrawal. International pressure mounts as images of starving Palestinians provoke global condemnation.

Israel has restricted aid access primarily through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a private US firm, resulting in over 1,000 deaths among those seeking aid. The previous UN-led aid system has been largely dismantled, leading to accusations of violating humanitarian principles. Thousands of Israelis protested in Tel Aviv, demanding an end to the blockade. The war in Gaza began on 7 October 2023, after Hamas militants killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and took 250 hostages. More than 59,000 Palestinians have died as a result of Israel's military response.

Impact Statement: The ongoing starvation crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by the Israeli blockade and stalled ceasefire negotiations, constitutes a major humanitarian catastrophe demanding immediate international intervention to prevent further loss of life and alleviate suffering.