Gaza health ministry reports 466 starvation deaths since 2024

Gaza’s Health Ministry warned on Friday that Israel’s blockade has caused a catastrophic hunger crisis. The statement marked World Food Day and noted that 466 people have died from starvation and malnutrition since 2024.

The ministry reported that 157 of those who died were children. This figure represents approximately one third of the total recorded deaths. Elderly Palestinians accounted for the largest share with 189 deaths, or about 40.5 percent of the total.

Health authorities stated that more than 1.4 million Palestinians could face acute food insecurity by the end of 2026. This projection covers roughly 67 percent of Gaza’s population. Shortages of food and medical supplies continue to threaten lives in the territory.

Medical teams documented 158,001 cases of acute malnutrition among children under five between 2024 and August 2026. Of these, 28,716 were severe cases. The ministry estimated that 74,200 children will require treatment for acute malnutrition through April 2027.

The mortality rate for children under five jumped to 33.4 per 1,000 live births in 2025. This was a significant increase from the 13.6 rate recorded in 2022. Additionally, 12.2 percent of children suffered from stunting linked to prolonged deprivation.

Anemia among pregnant women increased to 61 percent in 2026, up from 41 percent before the war. Nearly 4,000 pregnancy losses were recorded in the first six months of 2026. Poor nutrition increases risks of premature birth and low birth weight for unborn children.

The ministry called on the international community to ensure unrestricted entry of food and medicine. It emphasized that access to adequate food is a fundamental human right. Officials urged immediate action to prevent further deaths among vulnerable groups including children and the elderly.