Gaza:At least 466 Palestinians, including 157 children, have died from malnutrition and starvation since 2024, as reported by Gaza's Health Ministry. The figures were shared on World Food Day, observed annually on October 16.

According to Anadolu Agency, at least 189 elderly people have succumbed to starvation, making up 40.5% of the deaths. In August 2025, the United Nations declared famine in Gaza. It is anticipated that more than 1.4 million people will experience crisis-level food insecurity or worse by the end of 2026.

Israeli authorities have been accused of using starvation as a weapon during the genocide in Gaza since October 2023, according to Palestinian government bodies and rights organizations. Restrictions tightened in March 2025 have prevented thousands of aid trucks from entering the enclave, exacerbating the food crisis. Although some aid has been allowed under a ceasefire agreement, it remains insufficient.

The Health Ministry reports that malnutrition and starvation have reached catastrophic levels, severely affecting children, the elderly, and vulnerable groups. Over 158,000 cases of acute malnutrition among children under five were recorded from 2024 through August 2026. Among pregnant women, anemia prevalence rose to 61% in 2026, with a significant increase in high-risk pregnancies and pregnancy losses.

The ministry has called for urgent international action, emphasizing that the right to food is a fundamental human right that persists during war. They urge for the safe and sustained entry of food and medical supplies into Gaza and advocate for supporting local food production to mitigate the crisis. The ongoing conflict has severely damaged infrastructure and food production, increasing reliance on irregular humanitarian aid.