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Israeli blockade causes 8 more hunger deaths in Gaza, bringing total to 281

Palestinian women and children hold out their empty pots in front of a charity kitchen in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, Palestine, August 21, 2025. (AFP Photo)
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Palestinian women and children hold out their empty pots in front of a charity kitchen in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, Palestine, August 21, 2025. (AFP Photo)
August 23, 2025 01:43 PM GMT+03:00

The Gaza Strip, already under Israeli blockade and attacks, saw eight more Palestinians die from hunger in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of hunger-related deaths to 281, Palestinian authorities said Saturday.

Munir el-Bursh, general director of the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, told reporters that the deaths are a direct result of extreme food shortages and malnutrition imposed by Israeli restrictions.

“Since October 7, 2023, hunger-related deaths in Gaza have risen to 281, including 114 children,” Bursh said.

IndicatorNumber / %Notes
Hunger-related deaths281Includes 114 children
Population of Gaza2,300,000Approximate total population
People displaced2,000,000Many displaced multiple times
Famine severityLevel 5Highest level per IPC, UN-supported
Destroyed infrastructure88%Nearly 9/10 of Gaza destroyed by Israel

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), supported by the United Nations, reported on Aug. 15, 2025, that Gaza is experiencing famine conditions at the highest level, 5. According to IPC, over half a million people are facing starvation, poverty, and life-threatening conditions following nearly two years of relentless conflict.

One-and-a-half-year-old Muhammed Zakariya Ayyub al-Matouk, one of thousands of children suffering from hunger and malnutrition in Gaza, faces life-threatening conditions due to Israels ongoing attacks and blockade in Gaza City, Gaza, Palestine, July 24, 2025. (AA Photo)
One-and-a-half-year-old Muhammed Zakariya Ayyub al-Matouk, one of thousands of children suffering from hunger and malnutrition in Gaza, faces life-threatening conditions due to Israels ongoing attacks and blockade in Gaza City, Gaza, Palestine, July 24, 2025. (AA Photo)

Gaza 'dying of hunger'

Israeli attacks and strict restrictions on humanitarian aid have left the population of approximately 2.3 million in Gaza in dire conditions, with severe shortages of food, clean water, medical supplies, and hygiene products. The blockade and repeated displacement orders have forced up to 2 million people to flee their homes, many multiple times.

Children are among the most affected. Displaced Palestinians survive in makeshift tents or overcrowded facilities, often lacking even basic sanitation, increasing the risk of infectious diseases. Israeli military operations continue to target civilian shelters and infrastructure daily.

August 23, 2025 01:43 PM GMT+03:00
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