Gaza blockade triggers outrage amid rising starvation

Food, water, and medicine trucks are stalled at Gaza’s borders as Israel’s complete blockade continues to draw international condemnation. Gaza’s Government Media Office reports that at least 57 Palestinians have died from starvation due to the siege.

Medical and civil defence sources say Israeli airstrikes since Saturday morning have killed at least 45 people, including three infants.

Calls for unrestricted humanitarian access are mounting, with UN officials and human rights groups urging Israel to lift the blockade and allow aid into the densely populated coastal enclave.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israel’s ongoing military campaign has killed at least 52,495 Palestinians and injured more than 118,000. The Gaza Government Media Office estimates the death toll to be over 61,700, accounting for thousands believed to be buried beneath the rubble.

On the Israeli side, the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks left 1,139 dead and over 200 taken hostage.