Starvation in Gaza Deepens Amid Intensifying Conflict and Israeli Strikes in Syria
Starvation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels as Israeli military operations extend to Syria. The humanitarian crisis deepens amid rising regional tensions.
NewsSutra
GAZA CITY, July 23, 2025 — The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels as starvation grips thousands of civilians, with international aid groups warning of mass famine. Meanwhile, regional tensions have escalated further following an Israeli military operation in Syria, intensifying the broader Middle East conflict.
This latest development compounds the already dire situation for Palestinians living under blockade, bombardment, and food scarcity. As Israel continues its military operations, both in Gaza and beyond, questions are being raised globally about proportionality, humanitarian access, and the prospects of regional war.
Gaza: A Humanitarian Catastrophe Unfolding
Over nine months into the ongoing conflict, the Gaza Strip stands devastated. Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins, access to clean water is severely limited, and food supplies are nearly depleted. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over 1.9 million people—approximately 85% of Gaza’s population—are internally displaced, many of them living in overcrowded shelters without basic sanitation or consistent access to nutrition.
The situation has worsened in recent weeks due to a near-total halt in humanitarian aid. Key border crossings, including Rafah and Kerem Shalom, have either been closed or are operating under severe restrictions, limiting the delivery of food, medicine, and fuel. Aid convoys are often delayed or turned back, citing security concerns or lack of coordination.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued multiple alerts over the past month, stating that children are dying from malnutrition and dehydration, with cases of acute wasting rising dramatically. Mothers have been seen mixing water with animal feed in desperate attempts to feed their children.
“This is not just a crisis—this is a collapse of humanity,” said Dr. Laila Mahmoud, a pediatrician at Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza. “We are watching children fade away in front of our eyes.”
The Impact of the Israeli Siege
Following the October 2024 Hamas-led attacks that left over 1,400 Israelis dead and hundreds taken hostage, Israel launched its most extensive military campaign in Gaza in years. While Israel insists its operations are aimed at eliminating Hamas infrastructure, the collateral damage to civilians has been staggering.
Gaza’s agricultural lands have been heavily bombarded, leaving crops destroyed and irrigation systems non-functional. Fishing, once a vital source of protein for many, has become virtually impossible under strict maritime restrictions and the risk of naval strikes.
Adding to the crisis, Israel has enforced electricity blackouts, which cripple food storage and water purification systems. Even functioning bakeries have shut down due to lack of flour and fuel.
A recent report by Doctors Without Borders described scenes in Gaza hospitals where staff are forced to perform surgeries without anesthesia and patients die due to the lack of antibiotics or basic medical supplies.
Famine Risk: A Calculated Threat
Some international observers argue that the starvation is not just an unintended consequence of war but a tactic of collective punishment. The Israeli government denies this, maintaining that Hamas uses civilian areas to launch attacks and that every effort is made to minimize civilian harm.
Nonetheless, experts caution that the blockade is having disproportionate effects on the population. According to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), Gaza is “on the brink of famine,” and unless sustained humanitarian corridors are established, mass death from starvation is imminent.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access, but political consensus remains elusive, particularly within the UN Security Council.
Israeli Operation in Syria Raises the Stakes
As Gaza descends deeper into crisis, regional conflict has broadened. On Tuesday, Israel launched a military operation targeting Iranian-backed militias in southern Syria, near the city of Daraa. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated the operation was a preemptive strike to disrupt weapons transfers intended for Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Local sources report that at least 15 people were killed, including several Syrian soldiers and civilians. Explosions were heard across the border as IDF drones and fighter jets pounded suspected arms depots.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes, labeling them a “blatant act of aggression” and vowed retaliation. Iran, a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has also warned of consequences, escalating fears that the conflict could spiral beyond Gaza and Lebanon into a multi-front war.
The United States, a close ally of Israel, has so far supported Israel’s right to self-defense but urged restraint amid growing international concern.
Regional Unrest and the Role of Hezbollah
The involvement of Hezbollah in recent skirmishes along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon adds another layer of volatility. Since late 2024, Hezbollah fighters have launched sporadic attacks in solidarity with Gaza, prompting Israeli artillery and airstrikes in response.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, in a televised address last week, warned that “any major escalation in Gaza will be met with resistance from all fronts.” This threat raises the possibility of a wider regional war involving Iran, Lebanon, and possibly Iraq and Yemen.
Experts warn that the Syria strike could serve as a trigger, forcing the hands of multiple factions to escalate their involvement. Israeli security analysts suggest the operation was designed to “send a clear message” to Iran and its proxies that weapons smuggling will not be tolerated.
International Reaction and Diplomatic Stalemate
While many Western governments continue to support Israel's security concerns, public opinion is increasingly critical of the humanitarian toll in Gaza. Protests have erupted across Europe and the Americas, demanding an end to what many are calling an “inhumane siege.”
At the same time, attempts at brokering a ceasefire have largely failed. Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey have tried to mediate negotiations between Israel and Hamas, but each round collapses over issues of hostage releases, security guarantees, and control of Gaza post-conflict.
In a recent address, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated that “America stands firmly with Israel”, but added that humanitarian aid must be allowed into Gaza. Critics argue that American support gives Israel too much leeway in its military conduct.
The Way Forward: A Political and Humanitarian Imperative
The deepening starvation in Gaza and Israel’s expansion of military activities into neighboring countries have created a volatile and unsustainable scenario. Without a significant shift in policy, millions more could be at risk of death, displacement, or irreversible trauma.
Humanitarian organizations are urging for the immediate opening of aid corridors, monitored by neutral international bodies to ensure civilian safety and the delivery of essential supplies.
Meanwhile, diplomats emphasize the need for a political solution that addresses both Israeli security concerns and Palestinian sovereignty. The absence of a long-term vision only perpetuates cycles of violence that devastate civilian populations and destabilize the region.
Conclusion
The Gaza crisis has reached a critical tipping point. While global leaders deliberate, people in Gaza are dying from hunger, disease, and war. The Israeli strike in Syria serves as a stark reminder that the conflict is far from contained—and the cost of inaction could be incalculable.
The international community must act decisively, not only to prevent a famine but to bring an end to one of the most tragic and enduring conflicts of our time.
