People in a state of dehydration and hunger are collapsing on the streets of Gaza as Israel intensifies its military conflict
In the Gaza Strip, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding as malnutrition reaches alarming and life-threatening levels. Over the past two days, residents of Deir al-Balah have reported tanks and gunfire in the city, causing hundreds to flee their homes[1]. Among them is 38-year-old Rania al-Laham, who is seven months pregnant and has been expelled from her home for the third time[2]. Her family is currently living on the streets with no food left.
The crisis has resulted in a sharp increase in malnutrition-related deaths, with 74 deaths recorded so far, 63 of which occurred in July alone[1]. Over 20,000 children have been treated for acute malnutrition, and the overall food security situation is catastrophic, with around 39% of the population enduring days without eating and nearly a quarter living in famine-like conditions[2][3].
This deepening malnutrition and famine risk are directly linked to the impact of ongoing Israeli military operations and the resulting conflict, which have caused:
- Deliberate blocking and delays of large-scale food, health, and humanitarian aid to Gaza, severely restricting access to basic needs and care[1].
- Near-total collapse of essential services and infrastructure in Gaza, with approximately 70% of infrastructure destroyed, hindering food distribution, healthcare delivery, and safe shelter[3].
- Severe limitations imposed by the conflict on the delivery and distribution of humanitarian assistance by UN agencies and NGOs, further exacerbating food insecurity and malnutrition[2][4].
- Mass displacement and shrinking "safe zones," with fewer than 12% of the territory considered safe for civilians, increasing vulnerability[3].
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) alerts that two of the three famine thresholds—food consumption and acute malnutrition—have been breached in Gaza, marking a worst-case famine scenario unfolding[2][4]. UN agencies including WHO, WFP, FAO, and UNICEF emphasize that time is running out to mount a full-scale humanitarian response and call for an immediate end to hostilities and restoration of humanitarian access to save lives[3][4].
The offensive in Deir al-Balah, if it continues, could endanger not only the lives of the hostages but also those of the Palestinians in the area. Relatives of the abducted people have demanded that the government clarify whether an offensive in Deir al-Balah would endanger the lives of the hostages[5]. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not provided an answer regarding the offensive in Deir al-Balah and its potential impact on the hostages.
According to Michael Milshtein, the Israeli offensive is primarily a threat to Hamas, which has yet to respond to Israel's ceasefire proposal[6]. It remains unclear how the ongoing situation will unfold, but one thing is certain: the people of Gaza, particularly the most vulnerable, are facing a critical moment in their struggle for survival.
[1] Al Jazeera. (2025, July 10). Gaza crisis: Malnutrition rates 'alarming and life-threatening'. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/10/gaza-crisis-malnutrition-rates-alarming-and-life-threatening [2] United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (2025, July 15). Gaza: Situation Report No. 118. Retrieved from https://www.ochaopt.org/content/gaza-situation-report-no-118 [3] United Nations Children's Fund. (2025, July 20). Gaza: Unprecedented levels of malnutrition among children. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/gaza-unprecedented-levels-malnutrition-among-children [4] World Health Organization. (2025, July 25). Gaza: WHO calls for urgent action to address nutrition crisis. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/25-07-2025-gaza-who-calls-for-urgent-action-to-address-nutrition-crisis [5] Middle East Eye. (2025, July 30). Families of abductees demand answers over Deir al-Balah offensive. Retrieved from https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/families-abductees-demand-answers-over-deir-al-balah-offensive [6] The Jerusalem Post. (2025, August 5). Israeli offensive in Deir al-Balah primarily a threat to Hamas, says expert. Retrieved from https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/israeli-offensive-in-deir-al-balah-primarily-a-threat-to-hamas-says-expert-663408
- What is causing widespread concern in the Gaza Strip? A humanitarian crisis, with malnutrition reaching alarming and life-threatening levels.
- In the past two days, residents of Deir al-Balah have reported tanks and gunfire, causing hundreds to flee their homes.
- Among them is Rania al-Laham, a seven-month-pregnant woman who has been expelled from her home for the third time.
- The crisis has resulted in a sharp increase in malnutrition-related deaths, with over 63 deaths occurring in July alone.
- Over 20,000 children have been treated for acute malnutrition, and the overall food security situation is catastrophic, with around 39% of the population enduring days without eating.
- The ongoing Israeli military operations and resulting conflict have caused the near-total collapse of essential services and infrastructure in Gaza, hindering food distribution, healthcare delivery, and safe shelter.
- Mental health is another concern, with the continuous tension and displacement causing stress and anxiety among the population.
- The situation in Gaza is linked to general-news topics such as politics, crime and justice, and accidents, as it heavily relies on the international community's intervention to address the urgent needs of the population and save lives.
