Gaza starves: Palestine pushed to the brink despite Israel allowing 'minimal aid' – crisis in pictures

Health officials say 41 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes over the weekend, including 26 seeking aid. Separate incidents claimed 13 lives near Zikim, and over 90 were injured. More broadly, Gaza’s Health Ministry says over 59,700 Palestinians have died since the war began in October 2023, more than half women and children. (Photo credit: AP)

Following the collapse of a March ceasefire, Israel halted the entry of essential supplies into Gaza for 2.5 months. Although limited aid resumed under international pressure, the daily average of 69 trucks remains well below the 500-600 trucks the UN deems necessary. Israel claims Hamas steals aid, though the UN denies this. The blockade and chaotic conditions have prevented effective distribution, leaving Gaza’s population increasingly reliant on sporadic aid drops. (Photo credit: AP)

Ordinary Palestinians continue to risk their lives to obtain basic food. One mother, Sabreen Hassona, described struggling to secure a single kilo of rice for her children. Others reported aid planes flying overhead without dropping supplies or trucks never arriving. Fear is also rife—some worry aid boxes might fall on their children. The chaos reflects deep logistical failures and increasing desperation among Gaza’s civilians. (Photo credit: AP)

Israel initiated 10-hour daily tactical pauses in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Muwasi to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries. The military stated the move aims to improve access for agencies like the UN. Though welcomed by UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher, he urged sustained, large-scale action. Despite the pauses, combat operations persist, and aid continues to fall far short of needs in the densely populated enclave of over 2 million people. (Photo credit: AP)

The World Health Organization (WHO) raised alarms over surging malnutrition deaths in Gaza, calling it a “man-made” starvation crisis. In July alone, 63 people, including 24 children under five, died due to malnutrition. The WHO said these deaths were largely preventable, blaming the “deliberate blocking and delay” of food and medical aid. WHO chief Tedros called it “mass starvation” and urged unimpeded, consistent aid delivery to prevent further loss of life. (Photo credit: AP)

Israel and the US withdrew their negotiating teams from Qatar, blaming Hamas for the deadlock in ceasefire talks. Israel reiterated its conditions for ending the war: Hamas must surrender, disarm, and go into exile—terms Hamas rejects. Hamas negotiators claimed they had shown “maximum flexibility” and accused Israel of shifting tactics to boost international image rather than relieve suffering in Gaza. (Photo credit: AP)

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), supported by Israel and the US, runs aid centres outside UN control. These sites have become flashpoints. Over 1,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed trying to access food since May, most near GHF locations. Awda Hospital said Israeli forces recently killed 13 civilians en route to a GHF site. Israel said it fired warning shots to disperse suspects but claimed no incidents occurred at the aid centre. (Photo credit: AP)

The WHO reported a dramatic increase in acute malnutrition among children under five, especially in Gaza City where rates have tripled since June. Nearly one in five is now acutely malnourished. Over 5,000 children were admitted for malnutrition treatment in the first half of July. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also severely malnourished. Health facilities are overwhelmed, with only four specialised centres operational amid deteriorating water and sanitation infrastructure. (Photo credit: AP)

The World Food Program claims it has enough food for Gaza for three months, yet delivery remains a bottleneck. Around 210 trucks—80 from WFP and 130 from various routes—have entered, but this is insufficient to meet urgent needs. Aid workers say the flow must be vastly increased to reverse the crisis. Even with airdrops and secure routes, the scale of hunger far outpaces the aid arriving in Gaza. (Photo credit: AP)

Global criticism of Israel’s conduct is intensifying, including from allies. Graphic images of starving children have fuelled calls for a ceasefire and stronger humanitarian response. US President Donald Trump called the images “terrible.” Critics argue Israel’s humanitarian shifts are largely symbolic, designed to appease international opinion rather than address core needs. Aid groups insist Gaza has the infrastructure to prevent famine—what’s needed is uninterrupted and safe access. (Photo credit: AP)