Gaza Faces World’s Worst Hunger Crisis, Warns WHO
May 20, 2025 — The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an alarming warning that the humanitarian situation in Gaza has spiraled into the worst hunger crisis globally. As Israel’s military campaign continues and a strict blockade persists, nearly the entire population of Gaza — over 2.1 million people — is now facing severe food insecurity. With catastrophic conditions spreading rapidly, international agencies are calling for immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access.
A Population on the Brink
According to WHO and other UN agencies, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached levels unprecedented in recent history. All 2.1 million residents of Gaza are food insecure, with almost half a million people experiencing “catastrophic” levels of hunger — the most extreme level measured by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). This means families have completely exhausted their means to obtain food, leading to starvation, malnutrition, illness, and death. UN warns 14,000 babies could die in Gaza in the next 48 hours without aid.
Malnutrition Among Children Reaches Critical Levels
Children have become the most visible victims of the crisis. WHO reports that at least 57 children have died due to malnutrition and dehydration. Furthermore, projections warn that nearly 71,000 children under five will suffer from acute malnutrition in the coming weeks if the situation remains unchanged. Medical professionals on the ground describe cases of infants too weak to cry, with widespread reports of children consuming animal feed or going without food for days.
Humanitarian Access Blocked
The sharp deterioration began after Israel imposed a full-scale blockade on Gaza on March 2, 2025. The blockade restricts the flow of essential goods, including food, medicine, and fuel. Aid agencies and humanitarian convoys have either been blocked or severely delayed at key crossings such as Rafah and Kerem Shalom, both of which have been frequently closed or rendered inoperable due to military activity.
Although Israel has recently allowed a small number of aid trucks to enter Gaza, the international community says the deliveries are far from sufficient. Oxfam has described these limited convoys as “a drop in the ocean” compared to the colossal needs of the besieged population.
Mounting International Condemnation
The worsening humanitarian conditions have triggered growing condemnation from global powers. The United Kingdom, France, and Canada have issued coordinated warnings to Israel, describing its actions as “disproportionate” and “collective punishment.” In a joint statement, these governments called for an immediate ceasefire and demanded that full and unfettered humanitarian access be granted to Gaza.
Australian officials also condemned Israel’s control of aid distribution through military checkpoints, arguing that it undermines the neutrality and effectiveness of humanitarian operations.
WHO’s Urgent Appeal
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, stated:
“People in Gaza are not only facing bombs, they are facing famine. The blockade is preventing life-saving food, water, and medical supplies from reaching those who need them. Children are starving, hospitals are collapsing, and families are being erased. This is a moral failure of historic proportions.”
WHO and other UN agencies are calling for:
- An immediate ceasefire;
- Unrestricted access for humanitarian aid;
- Protection of medical and relief personnel;
- Restoration of vital services including water and electricity.
The Cost of Inaction
With each passing day, the cost of inaction rises. International observers warn that unless the blockade is lifted and humanitarian corridors are opened, tens of thousands more lives — especially children — will be lost to hunger and disease. Despite increasing diplomatic pressure, aid agencies remain largely cut off from the areas most in need, particularly northern Gaza.
The situation, according to WHO, is no longer merely a humanitarian emergency — it is a man-made famine, unfolding in full view of the world.
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