Gaza Starves: Israeli Blockade Kills Over 450 Palestinians

(MENAFN) The death toll from malnutrition in Gaza, attributed to Israel's ongoing blockade, has climbed to 453 since October 2023, according to the enclave’s Health Ministry.

The Ministry’s statement on Tuesday confirmed that 150 of those who died were children, succumbing to famine in an area severely restricted by the Israeli blockade.

Of particular concern, the ministry noted that since August, 175 Palestinians, including 35 children, have perished from starvation after the United Nations-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) declared Gaza in a state of famine.

On August 22, the IPC officially categorized Gaza City as being in famine conditions, warning that the crisis would worsen and spread to central and southern Gaza by the close of September.

Israel has maintained a near-total closure of its border crossings with Gaza since March 2, choking off humanitarian aid. Despite aid trucks being queued at the borders, Israel only sporadically allows limited shipments, which fail to address Gaza's overwhelming needs. These trucks are often looted by armed gangs, which Gaza’s administration claims are being shielded by Israeli forces.

The Israeli aid operation has drawn significant criticism, with accusations that civilian aid seekers are being deliberately targeted by Israeli military forces.

The ongoing violence has also taken a staggering toll, with Israeli army airstrikes and bombardments responsible for the deaths of more than 66,000 Palestinians since October 2023. Most of the victims have been women and children, as the bombardments have left much of Gaza in ruins, contributing to widespread famine and disease.

The dire situation remains critical, with relief efforts proving insufficient to stem the growing humanitarian disaster.

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