Since October 2023, Gazan health authorities have reported 154 malnutrition-related deaths, including 89 children, with the World Health Organization (WHO) noting that 63 of these deaths occurred in July alone. This rise in fatalities coincides with a drastic reduction in food consumption: 81% of households reported inadequate food intake in July, up from 33% in April, and 24% faced severe hunger, crossing the famine threshold, as detailed in a UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) update. Acute malnutrition rates in Khan Younis, Deir al Balah, and Gaza City have also exceeded famine thresholds. IPC food security experts warn of an emerging worst-case famine scenario, although data collection is challenging as starvation-related deaths increase. UN agencies highlight the urgency for a comprehensive humanitarian response, with 22% of the population experiencing “catastrophic” food insecurity and an additional 54% at an “emergency” level, while less than 15% of vital nutrition services are operational.
Since hostilities resumed in March, over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed, with nearly 9,000 deaths since the conflict reignited and 640 fatalities between July 23 and 30. Civilian casualties while seeking food are mounting, with 1,239 killed and more than 8,152 injured since May 27. Displacement figures since March 18 have exceeded 767,800, though no new evacuation orders have been issued by Israeli authorities since July 20. The July 20 order impacting a humanitarian hub in Deir al Balah has been retracted. The continuing displacement, combined with overcrowded shelters and increased hunger, has heightened the risk of gender-based violence (GBV) for women and girls, especially in southern Gaza, where safe shelters for GBV survivors are nonexistent.
Between July 23 and 29, only 47% of 92 coordinated aid movements received full facilitation from Israeli authorities. Sixteen percent were denied, 26% were obstructed post-approval, and 11% were rescinded by organizers. The Israeli military has declared a daily 10-hour halt in military actions starting July 27 in Al Mawasi, Deir al Balah, and Gaza City to enhance humanitarian aid delivery into Gaza. They also announced plans for airdrops of essential items, the reconnection of a power line to a desalination plant, the removal of customs obstacles on imports from Egypt, and the establishment of secure UN convoy routes. However, aid partners caution that airdrops could pose risks to civilians, lead to uneven distribution, and fail to meet needs.
Efforts are further hindered by inadequate funding. By July 30, only about 21% of the $4 billion requested for the 2025 urgent humanitarian appeal for the region had been secured, leaving critical gaps.
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