Mass starvation now defines life in the Gaza Strip for 2.1 million Palestinians.
Despite allowing in some additional food in response to global outrage, Israel is continuing policies that have produced widespread hunger, with U.S. support — while experts say that regardless of what else may change, thousands of preventable deaths are imminent because of how seriously Palestinians’ conditions have deteriorated. Over the coming days and months, the toll of the already-bloody war — which has killed at least 60,000 Palestinians — is likely to skyrocket.
“Malnutrition is on a dangerous trajectory,” the World Health Organization warned Sunday on social media, noting the crisis is likely underestimated because many families cannot safely reach what’s left of Gaza’s health facilities to be diagnosed and treated.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will allow “minimal humanitarian supplies” as the country’s military, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), continues its U.S.-backed offensive in Gaza. Echoing Israel’s narrative, President Donald Trump on Sunday blamed the situation in Gaza on the Palestinian militant group Hamas, saying it “hardened up” in talks for a truce with Israel; he did not question Israeli policies. The U.S. and Israel on Thursday abandoned negotiations with Hamas over the release of several dozen hostages, mostly Israelis, and the future of Gaza. On Monday, Trump rejected Netanyahu’s claim there is no starvation in Gaza, saying, “You can’t fake that,” but only vaguely referenced greater American assistance without offering details.
