Razan Abu Zaher, a four-year-old girl from central Gaza, died on July 20 from severe malnutrition, according to local medical sources. Her body was found in a hospital morgue, a symbol of the deepening hunger crisis gripping the territory. Razan was among four children who died over the past three days due to starvation, the Palestinian health ministry says.
The Palestinian health ministry further reports that at least 76 children and 10 adults have died from hunger-related causes since the conflict began in October 2023. Most of these deaths have occurred since early March, when Israeli authorities imposed a near-total blockade on humanitarian aid entering Gaza. Although the ban was partially eased at the end of May, the World Health Organization says the volume of food and medical supplies reaching the enclave remains critically low.
The history of warfare is riddled with cruel tactics, including the deliberate starvation of civilian populations. While so many technologies of war have evolved, the strategy of intentionally eliminating basic survival needs remains all too common. Over 783 million people around the world face hunger; of those, nearly 90% live in conflict zones. Is this a coincidence? Not according to human rights experts.
Want to learn more about the use of starvation in warfare? Then click through this gallery.