Gaza in the Grip of Famine: Save the Collapsing Bodies
Official Statement
Ramallah, In one of the darkest moments in modern human history, the Gaza Strip is enduring a systematic famine and collective deprivation of the most basic necessities of life. We, in the State of Palestine, are once again sounding the alarm in the face of a total collapse of life systems in Gaza, amid shameful international silence and an unjustifiable failure to lift the blockade, open the crossings, and ensure the urgent flow of humanitarian aid.
Gaza is dying. Famine is claiming the lives of its people. Millions live under siege and a starvation policy that has reached its peak. Today, all residents of Gaza are deprived of food, medicine, and water. There is no food and no hope for many.
In Gaza, at least 2.1 million people—more than 95% of the population—are suffering from severe food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 and above), while more than 470,000 people are living in full-scale famine (IPC Phase 5). These people are collapsing and dying from hunger, in the absence of immediate global intervention.
The Gaza Strip is now experiencing a full famine, according to the classification of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), with an unprecedented collapse in food security and public health indicators. According to data from UNICEF and OCHA, children are the main victims. 345,000 small children are suffering from acute malnutrition, including 17,000 children facing severe acute malnutrition and are at imminent risk of death. But the tragedy is not limited to children alone.
Women are at the heart of this humanitarian crime. 17,000 pregnant or breastfeeding women are suffering from acute malnutrition that requires urgent intervention. 557,000 women remain in severe food insecurity. 76% of pregnant women are experiencing anemia, and more than 690,000 women are deprived of basic hygiene supplies.
The elderly in Gaza—who represent around 9% of the population—face an even greater existential threat. UN agency data shows that over 190,000 people over the age of 60 lack access to food, healthcare, and clean water. They are unable to reach any means of survival. Field reports indicate that thousands of elderly people have been left alone in destroyed homes, without food or medicine, suffering from chronic diseases, and slowly dying due to hunger, illness, and isolation. Tens of thousands of those above 80 years old are in need of special care that has not been made available to them.
People with disabilities are experiencing a three-dimensional catastrophe. Reports indicate that at least 30,000 persons with disabilities are living without any support services, food, medical care, or accessible shelters. The number of people with disabilities has risen to more than 70,000 following the war, including approximately 12,000 new cases caused by injuries. These include between 3,100 and 4,050 permanent amputations. The Ministry of Health estimates that around 22,500 people will not be able to return to normal life due to life-changing injuries—without any access to food, medicine, or psychological support.
At the center of this suffering are more than 39,000 children in Gaza who have lost one or both parents, including around 17,000 children who lost both. They are orphans with no food or social protection, carrying enormous psychological and material burdens.
Amid these catastrophic conditions, the Ministry of Social Development continues to play its role in field monitoring and providing possible support to the most vulnerable groups, despite the severe restrictions on movement and access. The Ministry’s data has become a key reference in describing the humanitarian reality and guiding interventions with international partners.
Beyond the humanitarian tragedy, the use of starvation as a method of war in Gaza constitutes a serious violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention and is classified as a war crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. This horrific reality cannot be treated as a temporary crisis.
In light of these facts, the State of Palestine renews its urgent appeal to the international community and to every living voice around the world to assume their moral. We demand an immediate and comprehensive end to the Israeli aggression on Gaza, the unconditional opening of all crossings to guarantee the entry of humanitarian, medical, and food aid, and urgent air, land, and sea support to save civilian lives—especially children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Keeping the crossings partially open means Gaza dies slowly. Closing them entirely means certain death. Gaza today is not only famine. It is the loss of humanity, the destruction of dignity, and the wasting of innocent lives for no reason.
Latest News
Important Notice
Respecting the privacy of persons with disabilities is a social, ethical, and legal responsibility. The Ministry of Social Development emphasizes the importance of refraining from photographing or sharing images and videos of persons with disabilities or any vulnerable groups, as this constitutes a violation of privacy and human dignity. The Ministry warns against exploiting these groups in social media posts or videos for promotion, mockery, or to gain online engagement. The Ministry also stresses that anyone who photographs, publishes, or circulates such content may be subject to legal accountability and the necessary legal procedures in accordance with the law. Human dignity and privacy are rights that must be respected and protected.
MoSD Participates in the Opening of Dr. Imran Development Building and Al-Na’ma Charitable Development Association Headquarters in Kufr Ni’ma
Ramallah – Minister of Social Development and Minister of State for Relief Affairs, Dr. Samah Hamad, participated in the opening of the “Dr. Imran Development Building” and the headquarters of Al-Na’ma Charitable Development Association in the town of Kufr Ni’ma in Ramallah and Al-Bireh Governorate. The event was attended by the Head of Kufr Ni’ma Village Council, the President of Al-Na’ma Charitable Development Association, Fathi Ali Attaya, members of the administrative board, a number of dignitaries, and residents of the town. During her speech, Dr. Hamad stressed the importance of the role played by community institutions in strengthening national resilience and expanding the umbrella of social protection. She praised local initiatives that stem from the spirit of solidarity and volunteerism to serve the most vulnerable groups. Dr. Hamad also commended the efforts made to utilize the building and transform it into a developmental space that serves the residents of the town, affirming that this project represents a model of responsible community work based on sustainability and service to citizens. She emphasized that the humanitarian and living conditions faced by the Palestinian people, whether in the Gaza Strip or in the northern governorates of the West Bank, require strengthening civil and developmental work, pointing to the difficult circumstances citizens are enduring amid the current situation, the financial blockade, and the increasing numbers of displaced and affected families. She stated that the Ministry continues its work in providing social protection for the most vulnerable groups through a comprehensive system of services that includes relief efforts, child protection, women’s protection, and services for persons with disabilities and older persons, within an approach based on protection, care, and ultimately empowerment. Dr. Hamad stressed that the presence of active civil society institutions, such as Al-Na’ma Charitable Development Association, enhances the ability of Palestinian society to remain resilient and provide services to citizens. She called for investment in education and employment as two essential pillars for strengthening the resilience of the Palestinian people and empowering them economically and socially. She also noted that the Ministry, through the National Social Registry, continues to monitor the conditions of the most vulnerable families, explaining that nearly 85% of families in the Gaza Strip are now living in conditions of vulnerability due to the severe humanitarian situation. For its part, Al-Na’ma Charitable Development Association affirmed its continued implementation of developmental and social programs, particularly in supporting university students and underprivileged families, in line with its mission to strengthen solidarity and community protection within the town.
