Gaza facing ‘man-made' mass starvation due to Israeli blockade, WHO

Gaza is experiencing man-made mass starvation due to a blockade on humanitarian aid, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Wednesday.

His comments came after over 100 aid agencies issued an urgent warning about growing hunger in Gaza, where essential supplies remain stuck just outside the territory. “This is mass starvation, and it’s man-made. That’s very clear. This is because of the blockade,” Tedros said in a press briefing.

Gaza’s food supply collapsed after Israel, at war with Hamas since October 2023, cut off aid in March. Though the blockade was eased in May, restrictions remain, which Israel says are necessary to prevent aid from being seized by militants. Aid groups argue that only a fraction of needed supplies are reaching the population.

The Gaza health ministry reported 10 more deaths from starvation overnight, bringing the total to 111, most in recent weeks. The WHO said at least 21 children have died from hunger in 2025 so far, noting the true toll is likely higher.

Malnutrition treatment centers are overwhelmed and under-resourced, the WHO added. Between March and May, food aid was halted entirely for nearly 80 days, and the resumed deliveries remain far below the required level.

WHO officials said around 10% of people screened are suffering from moderate to severe malnutrition, including up to 20% of pregnant women. In July alone, 5,100 children were admitted to malnutrition treatment programs — 800 in severe condition.

The WHO stressed urgent action is needed to restore full access to aid and prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.