More than 100 humanitarian organizations warned that severe food shortages are worsening across Gaza and called on Israel to allow aid into the sealed-off territory to address the deepening crisis.
A letter signed by 109 groups, including Doctors Without Borders, Oxfam International, and Amnesty International, accuses the Israeli government of obstructing relief efforts.
“Essential supplies—food, clean water, medical resources, shelter materials, and fuel—are available in warehouses near Gaza and within the territory, but aid groups are prevented from delivering them,” the statement said. “Israel’s policies of restrictions, delays, and partial access under its complete siege have caused disorder, starvation, and fatalities.”
The letter included testimony from an aid worker in Gaza: “Children tell their parents they wish to go to heaven because at least there, they will have food.”
The warning follows rising reports of deaths linked to hunger, a crisis aid agencies had long predicted. Accounts of people collapsing from starvation while walking to distribution centers and images of severely malnourished bodies have become frequent.
Presently, an average of around 28 truckloads of aid reach Gaza daily. Before the conflict, roughly 500 trucks entered each day to support over 2 million residents.
As hunger spreads, Israeli attacks on civilians have intensified. In July, one person was killed by Israeli forces every 12 minutes, marking one of the war’s bloodiest months, according to UN data analysis.
Recent strikes killed at least 21 people, most of them women and children, Palestinian health officials reported. The Israeli military stated it was expanding operations in Gaza City and northern Gaza.
Speaking to the UN Security Council, Secretary-General António Guterres described Gaza’s situation as catastrophic. “Food shortages are widespread, and starvation is a reality for countless families,” he said. “The humanitarian system, founded on principles of neutrality, is near collapse.”
Aid distribution inside Gaza is now overseen by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), supported by the U.S. and Israel. UN officials have criticized its facilities as hazardous. Previous reporting by CuriosityNews highlighted the dangers faced by Palestinians seeking assistance at GHF locations.
The GHF argues it prevents Hamas from diverting aid—a claim echoed by Israel. Humanitarian groups accuse it of violating aid principles and possibly contributing to the use of starvation as a weapon.
Since late May, UN officials say Israeli forces have killed over 1,000 Palestinians attempting to reach food distribution points. Israeli troops have repeatedly opened fire on civilians gathering for aid.
Read next
"UN rights officials call for leadership to label Israel's Gaza offensive as genocide"
Hundreds of UN Human Rights Staff Urge Leadership to Label Gaza Offensive as Genocide
A significant number of employees from the United Nations’ primary human rights body have endorsed an internal letter urging their leaders to recognize Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as genocide and to push member states
"Demonstrations break out in Indonesia after police car fatally strikes man"
Hundreds of Indonesians have gathered at locations across Jakarta to demonstrate following the death of a man struck by a law enforcement vehicle, marking the first major challenge for Prabowo Subianto’s administration, which took office nearly a year ago.
The victim, a motorcycle ride-hailing driver, was hit during clashes
"UN to halt Lebanon peacekeeping mission next year amid US, Israeli pressure"
The UN Security Council has extended the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon for another 16 months, though it will conclude by the end of 2026 following pressure from Israel and the US.
Council members unanimously approved the decision on Thursday to renew the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon