WHO: Two Million People Starving in Gaza as Blockade Halts Aid

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning: two million people in Gaza are now starving as humanitarian aid remains blocked at the border. Speaking at the opening of the World Health Assembly on Monday, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus painted a devastating picture of the deteriorating conditions in the war-torn Palestinian territory.

“Two months into the latest blockade, two million people are starving,” Tedros said. “The risk of famine in Gaza is increasing with the deliberate withholding of humanitarian aid, including food.”

According to the WHO, more than 160,000 metric tonnes of food are currently stuck at border crossings — just minutes away from those in desperate need. Meanwhile, Gaza’s collapsing health system continues to buckle under pressure, with overcrowded hospitals, dwindling medical supplies, and civilians dying from preventable diseases.

“People are dying from preventable diseases as medicines wait at the border, while attacks on hospitals deny people care,” said Tedros.

Blockade Strategy and Diplomatic Pressure

Israel’s blockade of Gaza, reimposed on March 2, was described by the Israeli government as a measure to force concessions from Hamas. On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the dire food situation and said Israel would allow in limited food aid “for diplomatic reasons.”

Yet, humanitarian organizations argue that more decisive action is needed. Tedros said the WHO, along with other UN agencies, is ready to deliver food, medicine, and aid “rapidly” — but only if Israel allows it.

“We ask Israel to allow urgently-needed food and medicine to enter,” Tedros pleaded. “WHO stands ready with our UN partners to move fast.”

Health System in Collapse

Since November 2023, the WHO has facilitated the medical evacuation of over 7,300 patients, including cancer patients, from Gaza. But over 10,000 others remain on evacuation lists, awaiting permission to leave for life-saving care.

At the same time, Israel has launched a renewed military campaign in Gaza, which it says is aimed at defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages. As the fighting intensifies, health facilities continue to be caught in the crossfire.

“War is not the solution,” said Tedros. “I hope peace will prevail — peace that can transcend generations.”

Call to the International Community

Tedros urged WHO member states to open their borders to Gaza patients needing care and to pressure for an end to the blockade that is now pushing Gaza into full-scale famine.

With the region’s hospitals under siege, medicines stranded, and civilians unable to flee, the Gaza famine crisis is not only a humanitarian emergency but a test of international will.

{Source: The Citizen}

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