Horrors are unfolding in the Middle East. The Isreal-Palestinian conflict has been
ongoing for years, over several things such as land, politics, and humanitarian crisis. The
Isreal-Gaza War has destroyed billions worth of physical structures, houses taking up half
of the destruction. Approximately 66,000 people have been killed (npr.org), many being
innocent civilians. However, guns and missiles aren’t the only thing doing the killing, the
people of Gaza are starving.

In Gaza, parts of it have officially reached Stage 5 on the food insecurity scale,
presenting a severe level of malnutrition and limited access to resources. According to the
Palestinian Ministry of Health, as of mid-September, about 430 people have died from
starvation/malnutrition. Children take up over a quarter of this number, and the total is
rapidly accelerating. The hospitals are overcrowded and overwhelmed, as thousands have
needed treatment for malnutrition and the healthcare system is collapsing.

This tragedy has been named a man-made famine. The war has destroyed grocery
stores, cafes, and other places that people would regularly get food. Blockades have also
caused goods to be blocked from coming into Gaza, including food. At aid sites, there is
high military presence, and citizens are being shot and killed. With the food they do have,
supply and demand has skyrocketed prices, causing food to be unaffordable. Food has
become extremely inaccessible in Gaza.

So, what are the next steps? The most impactful solution to this crisis would be a
permanent ceasefire agreement, although as of now this solution seems so very far away.
Some other things that would help this crisis are rebuilding the healthcare system, more
food deliveries in bulk, and allowing aide sites to be accessed safely. Hopefully a solution
will be implemented soon.

https://www.npr.org/2025/09/28/nx-s1-5555960/gaza-death-toll-over-66000
https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/08/1165702
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg4p90z1kxo