Tue Jul 22 15:21:21 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
A dire humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Gaza, with the head of Al-Shifa hospital reporting 21 children have died of malnutrition and starvation in the past three days. UN Secretary General Guterres warns of collapsing lifelines and growing malnutrition reports. Hospitals are overwhelmed with new cases. This crisis stems from a full Israeli blockade imposed in March after ceasefire talks failed, exacerbating shortages intensified since the start of the war in October 2023. The World Food Programme director describes the situation as the worst he has ever seen. Alongside the starvation crisis, at least 20 people were killed in Israeli strikes amidst renewed incursions, adding to the devastation in the region.
**News Article:**
**Gaza Faces Catastrophic Starvation Crisis: 21 Children Dead, Warns UN**
**Gaza City, July 22, 2025** – A devastating humanitarian crisis has gripped Gaza, with health officials reporting the deaths of 21 children in the past three days due to malnutrition and starvation. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, head of Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, made the grim announcement, stating the deaths occurred in hospitals across the territory, including Al-Shifa, Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, and Nasser Hospital.
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stark warning that “the last lifelines keeping people alive are collapsing” in Gaza, citing escalating reports of widespread malnutrition amongst children and adults. According to Abu Salmiya, Gaza’s remaining functioning hospitals are inundated with new malnutrition cases “every moment,” signaling a looming catastrophe. “We are heading towards alarming numbers of deaths due to the starvation inflicted on the people of Gaza,” he warned.
The crisis is attributed to a full blockade imposed by Israel on March 2nd, following the breakdown of ceasefire talks. While some trucks were permitted to enter in late May, stocks depleted rapidly, plunging Gaza’s two million residents into the worst shortages seen since the war began in October 2023. World Food Programme director Carl Skau, who recently visited Gaza City, described the situation as “the worst” he has ever witnessed.
The dire situation is further compounded by renewed Israeli military activity, with at least 20 people killed in strikes on Tuesday. The military has ordered evacuations from parts of the city, further disrupting aid efforts and exacerbating the already dire conditions. The international community is facing increasing pressure to intervene and address the escalating humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza.
First Piper 