World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Friday urged Israel to stop what he described as a preventable catastrophe of starvation in Gaza, warning that at least 370 people have died from malnutrition since the war began nearly two years ago.
Tedros said the situation amounted to a man-made disaster that Israel could halt immediately. He noted that the deaths include more than 300 in the past two months alone, with children making up over a third of the victims.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported 373 deaths from starvation and malnutrition, including 134 children. The UN has already declared a famine in Gaza, blaming what it called the systematic obstruction of humanitarian aid.
“Starvation of civilians as a method of war is a war crime that can never be tolerated,” Tedros said, adding that food capable of saving lives remains stuck on trucks just outside the territory.
He also warned of a surge in disease due to hunger, poor sanitation, and overcrowding, pointing to more than 100 recent cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome and at least 15,000 patients needing urgent evacuation. Over 700 people, including nearly 140 children, have reportedly died while awaiting medical transfers.
Calling the crisis “intolerable,” Tedros appealed to Israel to end the war and urged its allies to use their influence to halt the suffering.
Tedros said the situation amounted to a man-made disaster that Israel could halt immediately. He noted that the deaths include more than 300 in the past two months alone, with children making up over a third of the victims.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported 373 deaths from starvation and malnutrition, including 134 children. The UN has already declared a famine in Gaza, blaming what it called the systematic obstruction of humanitarian aid.
“Starvation of civilians as a method of war is a war crime that can never be tolerated,” Tedros said, adding that food capable of saving lives remains stuck on trucks just outside the territory.
He also warned of a surge in disease due to hunger, poor sanitation, and overcrowding, pointing to more than 100 recent cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome and at least 15,000 patients needing urgent evacuation. Over 700 people, including nearly 140 children, have reportedly died while awaiting medical transfers.
Calling the crisis “intolerable,” Tedros appealed to Israel to end the war and urged its allies to use their influence to halt the suffering.
