“A Lost Generation”: UN Warns of Mass Starvation Due to Israel
The United Nations has issued its most alarming warning yet on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating that more than 60,000 children under the age of five are now acutely malnourished, as Israel’s ongoing siege has brought food, water, and medical supplies to the brink of collapse. UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, has said that Gaza’s 2.3 million residents are facing starvation, with bakeries shut down, water pumps failing, and families turning to boiled weeds and animal feed for survival.
Aid Blocked, Ceasefire Shattered
A fragile ceasefire in January had briefly allowed limited aid into the territory. However, since March 18, Israel has resumed military operations, and over 80% of UN aid convoys have been blocked due to “bureaucratic hold-ups and security checks,” according to UN figures.
Hospitals are now facing fuel shortages, medical equipment outages, and a flood of malnourished infants with severe dehydration. Sewage and water systems are non-functional. Sigrid Kaag, the UN’s Middle East envoy, called Israel’s actions a clear violation of international humanitarian law, warning that the blockade is having “devastating consequences for children and civilians.”
Mounting Death Toll and International Legal Action
According to Palestinian health authorities, the death toll in Gaza has exceeded 50,900, with women and children making up 80% of the casualties. In response, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the intentional starvation of civilians.
Simultaneously, Israel faces a genocide accusation at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) filed by South Africa, which claims systematic destruction of the Palestinian population. Israel has denied all allegations, labeling them politically motivated, and insists its military actions are acts of self-defense against Hamas.
World Response: Insufficient and Divided
Despite mounting global outcry, aid access remains restricted. The World Food Programme (WFP) states that 90% of Gaza’s population relies on humanitarian aid, of which only 10% of needed supplies are reaching the enclave. Attempts by Egypt and Jordan to airdrop aid have been described by relief workers as "a drop in the ocean."
While the EU pledged $55 million in emergency aid, and Turkey announced plans to send ships to break the blockade, Israel has warned it will target any unauthorized vessels. Mediation efforts by Qatar and the U.S. have stalled over disagreements on hostages and the framework for a lasting ceasefire.
Collapse of Civil Infrastructure and Child Survival
Gaza’s infrastructure has been devastated:
85% of residents displaced
70% of homes damaged or destroyed
Schools and shelters overcrowded and unsanitary, fueling cholera and hepatitis outbreaks
UNICEF has warned that 1 in 3 children under two in northern Gaza suffers from acute malnutrition, which can cause irreversible physical and cognitive harm.
“Even if the war stopped tomorrow, the trauma and deprivation they have faced will be with these children for years to come,” said Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF.