Increased deaths among Gazan residents due to lack of aid and hunger, coinciding with a shortage of burial shrouds
Crisis in Gaza: Mounting Deaths and Starvation Amidst Aid Restrictions
A humanitarian crisis of epic proportions is unfolding in the Gaza Strip, with thousands of lives at risk due to a catastrophic shortage of food, water, and medical aid.
On Sunday, at least 13 Palestinians were tragically killed while waiting for UN aid trucks at the Zikim crossing on the Israeli border with northern Gaza Strip. Many more have perished in similar circumstances since then. According to Israeli officials, 50 hostages now remain in Gaza, only 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
The situation is dire, with over 600 aid trucks needed daily to meet the humanitarian requirements, as stated by Palestinian and UN officials. However, the delivery of aid is severely restricted. More than 1,000 people have been killed trying to receive aid in Gaza since May 2025, according to the United Nations.
The blockade and ongoing military operations have cut off food, water, healthcare, and shelter access, worsening malnutrition and mortality. Over five more people died of starvation or malnutrition over the past 24 hours in Gaza, bringing the total to 180, including 93 children, since the war began.
The UN Human Rights Chief described Gaza as a “dystopian landscape” where militarized aid distribution, controlled by Israel and supported by the US, fails to meet the immense needs. Aid trucks that have arrived have been looted by desperate displaced people and armed gangs, according to witnesses and Hamas sources.
The crisis combines large-scale loss of life—at least 58,573 Palestinians killed since October 2023—and a humanitarian system unable to respond adequately due to severe infrastructure damage and restricted access.
There are urgent international calls for a permanent ceasefire, immediate humanitarian aid scale-up, and addressing root causes to prevent further famine and death. Israel's offensive has since killed over 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials.
On Monday, mourners gathered at Gaza City's Al Shifa hospital to collect the bodies of their loved ones killed by Israeli fire while seeking aid. Bilal Thari, a 40-year-old Palestinian, expressed a desire for peace and an end to misery, stating that people are hungry and living in poor conditions.
UN agencies have stated that airdrops of food are insufficient and that Israel must let in far more aid by land quickly. As of now, over 23,000 tons of humanitarian aid in 1,200 trucks have entered Gaza in the past week, but hundreds of trucks have yet to be driven to aid distribution hubs by UN and other international organizations.
In the face of this crisis, there is no immediate comment by Israel on the incidents of shootings on Sunday and Monday. The Gaza war began when Hamas killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostage in an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, according to Israeli figures.
[1] Al Jazeera, "Gaza crisis: What you need to know", 2025. [2] BBC News, "Gaza crisis: UN calls for urgent action as aid delivered 'too little, too late'", 2025. [3] Human Rights Watch, "Gaza: Israel's Use of Force in May 2021 Unlawful", 2021. [4] Middle East Eye, "Gaza crisis: Why is the Israeli blockade still in place?", 2025. [5] OCHA, "Occupied Palestinian Territory: Humanitarian Snapshot - Gaza", 2025.
- The science community is working tirelessly to find solutions for worldwide health and wellness issues, including chronic diseases, cancer, respiratory conditions, digestive health, eye health, and hearing problems.
- Fitness and exercise play a crucial role in maintaining good health and managing weight, which is essential in the fight against obesity and diabetes.
- Sexual health is an essential aspect of overall health, and sexual health education is vital for preventing sexually transmitted infections and promoting healthy relationships.
- Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, require specialized therapies and treatments for effective management.
- Climate change poses various health risks, including heat-related illnesses, extreme weather events, and the spread of infectious diseases.
- The manufacturing industry must prioritize workplace wellness to ensure the health and safety of its employees, particularly when dealing with hazardous substances.
- Mental health is an essential component of overall health, and addressing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD is crucial for improving quality of life.
- Men's health encompasses a wide range of issues, including prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, and testicular cancer.
- Skin care is important for preserving healthy skin and preventing skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
- The food industry is increasingly focusing on nutrition, with companies offering healthier food options to promote preventative health and discourage malnutrition.
- Aging is a natural process, but taking care of skin and managing health conditions can help maintain a healthy appearance and prevent age-related diseases.
- Women's health concerns, such as breast cancer and reproductive disorders, require specialized care and attention to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Parenting is a complex and important task that requires emotional, mental, and physical health to provide properly for a child's needs.
- Weight management is crucial for avoiding obesity and related health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.
- Cardiovascular health is essential in preventing heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death worldwide.
- The finance industry has a unique role in promoting health and wellness by providing loans for small businesses, investing in healthcare, and offering insurance policies for medicare.
- CBD products are being studied for their potential benefits in treating neurological disorders, including epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
- Environmental science is increasingly relevant in understanding climate change and its impact on human health and the environment.
- The energy industry must prioritize sustainable practices to minimize pollution and its impact on respiratory conditions and overall health.
- In the retail sector, companies can promote health and wellness by offering products that cater to digestive health, eye health, and skin care.
- Entrepreneurship provides opportunities to create innovative solutions for health and wellness, particularly in the areas of mental health, fitness, and nutrition.
- Transportation systems must prioritize safety and accessibility to ensure the health and well-being of travelers.
- Leadership in the health and wellness industry must prioritize diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal access to care and opportunities for all people.
- Small businesses can play a crucial role in promoting health and wellness by offering unique products and services that cater to people's individual needs.
- Investing in the health and wellness industry can provide long-term returns while promoting preventative health and addressing health disparities.
- Wealth management services are crucial for helping individuals and families plan for their financial future and ensure they can afford necessary healthcare expenses.
- The banking and insurance industries have a responsibility to prioritize public health and wellness by offering affordable policies that provide financial stability and access to care.
