Sat Aug 02 10:20:29 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**UNICEF Warns Gaza Faces Imminent Famine; Starvation Deaths Climb as Aid Delivery Remains Insufficient**

**GAZA CITY** – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating the region faces a grave risk of famine. The announcement comes as the number of reported starvation deaths reaches 162, including 92 children, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.

UNICEF’s Deputy Executive Director for Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations, Ted Chaiban, emphasized the dire situation following a recent visit to the region, stating that malnutrition indicators in Gaza have “exceeded the famine threshold.” He warned that over 320,000 young children are at risk of acute malnutrition, with many Gazans going days without food.

“We are at a crossroads, and the choices made now will determine whether tens of thousands of children live or die,” Chaiban said in a statement.

The deteriorating conditions are attributed to Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, which has resulted in widespread destruction and displacement. A Gaza-based journalist described the situation as “tragedy and torment” amid bombardment, forced starvation, and a pervasive sense of insecurity.

While Israel recently eased a blockade and implemented a “tactical pause” in military operations, aid organizations maintain that current measures are insufficient to address the scale of the crisis. Airdrops of aid, while welcome, cannot replace the volume and efficiency of road convoys, according to UNICEF. Concerns also exist regarding the safety and integrity of aid distribution, with accusations of rights violations and civilian targeting.

The UN and other humanitarian organizations are calling for a sustained ceasefire and a political resolution to the conflict, emphasizing that a significant increase in aid access and a secure environment are crucial to preventing widespread famine and further loss of life.

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