At the United Nations, UNICEF issued a sobering warning: on average, 28 Palestinian children are killed each day in Gaza. These deaths result from airstrikes, starvation, and interrupted humanitarian relief, underlining the dire conditions facing families in the enclave .
Children Face Catastrophe in Gaza
UNICEF described a spectrum of tragedies afflicting Gaza’s children:
Fatal bombardments
Acute malnutrition and hunger
Starvation linked to disrupted aid and health services
Without urgent access to essentials like food, water, medicine, and shelter, the death toll continues to climb.
Alarm as Starvation Turns Deadly
In just 24 hours, at least eight Palestinians—including a child—succumbed to starvation. Analysts say Gaza’s blockade and border shutdowns have “deliberately” worsened hunger, especially among infants and toddlers .
A UN briefing stated that over 100,000 children, including 40,000 infants under 12 months, are at immediate risk because baby formula and nutritional supplements are unavailable. Many mothers are resorting to offering only water to sustenance-starved babies .
WHO Reports Surge in Malnutrition Deaths
Between January and July, the World Health Organization logged 74 malnutrition-related deaths in Gaza—63 of those in July alone. Among them were 24 children under five. Many were found dead after arriving at medical centers, showcasing severe wasting and preventable crises .
Experts Call It Genocide
Michael Fakhri, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, first warned in early 2024 that Israel’s restrictions resembled a “mass starvation strategy.” He emphasized that, while shocking, the situation was no surprise given public documentation since then .
Fakhri stated bluntly: “Israel is starving Gaza. It’s genocide. It’s a crime against humanity. It’s a war crime.” Such terms are increasingly echoed in humanitarian circles calling for immediate action
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