Footage unveiled by Hamas featuring Israeli captive Evyatar David in a weakened state
In the past few months, Gaza has been grappling with a man-made mass starvation crisis, primarily caused by the ongoing conflict since October 2023. This has resulted in heavy fighting, widespread destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure, and severe disruptions of food supplies, health services, and access to essential goods.
Over 20,000 children have been treated for acute malnutrition since April, with around 320,000 children at risk, and thousands currently suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Hospitals and specialized malnutrition treatment centers are overwhelmed, running out of supplies and fuel, while breakdowns in water and sanitation systems accelerate disease and death.
The crisis also severely affects pregnant and breastfeeding women, with over 40% severely malnourished. The dangerous conditions have led to over 1,060 deaths and 7,200 injuries among people trying to access food since late May 2025.
International responses have included large-scale food aid efforts, primarily led by the World Food Programme, which has managed to feed around 1.3 million people, more than half Gaza’s population. However, ongoing conflict and restrictions severely hamper aid delivery. Humanitarian organizations like the International Rescue Committee criticize current aid schemes, warning that restricted aid access will cause forced displacement and prevent vulnerable populations from receiving assistance. They call for open, large-scale, and consistent border crossings for unimpeded humanitarian access, alongside an immediate ceasefire to enable safe aid delivery and protect civilians.
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has described the situation as an "epic humanitarian catastrophe" and stressed that Gaza is on the brink of famine. The World Health Organization calls for urgent efforts to supply diverse, nutritious food and medical supplies to prevent further deterioration and preventable deaths.
Amidst this crisis, a 24-year-old Israeli hostage, Evyatar David, was abducted from the Nova music festival on 7 October 2023 and has since been held in captivity in Gaza. Videos suggest that Evyatar David is being deliberately starved by his captors, with the hostage appearing emaciated and stating he has not eaten for three days. The intentional starvation, torture, and abuse of Evyatar David for propaganda purposes are a violation of humanitarian law and basic human decency, according to his family.
Israel and the international community have been urged to oppose Hamas's cruelty towards Evyatar David and ensure his immediate release. Families of the 50 hostages still in Gaza are concerned they are also starving. Evyatar David's family has stated that he has only a few days left to live in his current condition and has called for him to receive proper nutrition immediately.
The Israel Defence Forces has repeatedly said it "categorically rejects the claims of intentional harm to civilians". However, at least 859 people have been killed "in the vicinity" of GHF aid sites since late May, according to the United Nations' human rights office. Gaza's health ministry said a further seven Palestinians had died of malnutrition-related causes in the past 24 hours, including a child. The UN's Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IFSPC) this week said a "worst-case scenario of famine" was sinking in across the besieged enclave.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff visited a site where the US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has been distributing food in Gaza, emphasizing the need for unimpeded humanitarian access and a ceasefire to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza.
- In the midst of this humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the ongoing conflict has also sparked concerns about mental health, as thousands of children suffer from acute malnutrition and witness widespread violence and destruction.
- As the United Nations calls for urgent action to prevent famine and ensure access to diverse, nutritious food and medical supplies, the political landscape must also prioritize provisions for the mental health and well-being of affected individuals.
- The deliberate starvation of Evyatar David, an Israeli hostage held in Gaza, is a shocking reminder that not only physical health but also mental health and human dignity are under attack in the ongoing conflict.
