At least six more people in Gaza have died due to starvation or malnutrition in the past 24 hours, the enclave’s health ministry reported on Sunday, as humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate amid Israel’s ongoing military operations.
The latest deaths bring the total number of starvation-related fatalities to 175 since the conflict began, including 93 children, highlighting the deepening crisis that aid organizations warn could spiral into a full-scale famine.
While the situation remains critical, Israel allowed a limited delivery of fuel to the war-torn territory. The Israeli military agency COGAT said four UN fuel tankers were let through to support vital services such as hospitals, bakeries, and public kitchens. Meanwhile, Egypt’s Al Qahera News reported that two trucks carrying 107 tonnes of diesel were also prepared to enter, though it remained unclear if those shipments reached Gaza.
Fuel remains a lifeline for medical facilities already stretched to their limits. According to Gaza’s health ministry, persistent fuel shortages have crippled hospitals, forcing doctors to treat only the most severe cases.
Since March, fuel and aid deliveries have been severely limited by Israel, which cited pressure tactics to force Hamas to release remaining hostages taken during their October 2023 assault. Though some restrictions were lifted in late July, humanitarian access remains far from sufficient.
UN agencies have reiterated that airdrops cannot meet the vast needs of Gaza’s 2.2 million displaced residents. They continue to urge Israel to allow more land-based aid deliveries.
COGAT said more than 23,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid in 1,200 trucks entered Gaza over the past week. However, hundreds of trucks reportedly remain idle, awaiting distribution by international agencies. Aid convoys have also become targets for looting, with many supplies taken by desperate civilians and armed groups, according to witnesses and Hamas sources.
On Sunday, Belgium joined the growing list of countries conducting humanitarian air-drops, delivering its first aid package in collaboration with Jordan. France began similar efforts on Friday, air-dropping 40 tonnes of relief.
Despite the trickle of assistance, the humanitarian disaster in Gaza shows no sign of abating. Aid groups stress that only a sustained and safe land corridor can prevent the worsening famine and save countless lives.
