The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has called for the immediate lifting of the blockade on the Gaza Strip, warning of a deepening famine and the starvation of civilians, including approximately one million children.

In a statement issued Sunday, UNRWA urged international intervention to allow food and medical aid into the Gaza Strip. The agency accused the Israeli occupation authorities of "starving civilians in Gaza," calling the situation a direct threat to life for the enclave’s population.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate as the Ministry of Health reported the death of Razan Abu Zaher, an infant who died from severe malnutrition and a lack of milk. Her death brings the number of children who died from hunger-related causes brought on by "Israel's" blockade in the past 24 hours to four.

The Israeli Authorities are starving civilians in #Gaza.

Among them are 1 million children.

Lift the siege: allow UNRWA to bring in food and medicines. pic.twitter.com/l2ZpA4Or4j

— UNRWA (@UNRWA) July 20, 2025

According to the ministry, the Gaza Strip is now facing a state of "actual famine," driven by a critical shortage of food and the outbreak of acute malnutrition.

Hospitals across the Strip are treating hundreds of civilians suffering from severe hunger and malnutrition. Medical staff describe a situation of "extreme stress" as facilities become overwhelmed with cases of starvation, including among infants, children, and the elderly.

The Ministry of Health also reported that bloody massacres are occurring near humanitarian aid distribution points, further endangering the lives of thousands. The lack of safe access to basic food and medical supplies continues to intensify the crisis.

Gaza MoH issues warning: Starved Palestinians face imminent death

The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza issued a stark warning on Saturday, reporting an unprecedented surge in civilians, including children, women, and the elderly, arriving at emergency departments in critical condition due to extreme hunger and exhaustion.

According to the Ministry, hundreds of individuals are on the brink of death, their bodies severely emaciated after surpassing the limits of physical survival. “Emergency departments are witnessing an unprecedented influx of starving civilians of all ages, arriving in severe states of exhaustion and fatigue,” the Ministry said in a statement.

Since March 2, "Israel" has imposed a complete humanitarian blockade on #Gaza, cutting off food, medicine, and fuel to over 2 million Palestinians.#AlMayadeen brings you live coverage of the global day of protest under the slogan #NoStarvation, as demonstrators worldwide demand… pic.twitter.com/hBPgbPXccI

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) July 20, 2025

It cautioned that if the complete blockade on food and aid continues, many of those suffering from severe malnutrition could die within days, marking a catastrophic turning point in the humanitarian crisis.

The warning comes as "Israel’s" months-long siege continues to prevent adequate food and humanitarian relief from entering the Gaza Strip. UN agencies and health officials have repeatedly warned that famine is no longer a threat, but a reality for many in the enclave.