‘People dying of preventive starvation’: Obama urges action as Gaza starvation crisis worsens

Israel-Hamas War: Former US President Barack Obama has broken his silence on the ongoing Gaza conflict, voicing alarm over the escalating humanitarian disaster and calling for urgent action to prevent what he termed as “innocent people dying of preventable starvation.”

In his first post on the Israel-Hamas war, Obama linked to a New York Times report highlighting the widespread hunger and child malnutrition in Gaza. “There is no justification for keeping food and water away from civilian families,” he said, stressing that aid “must be permitted” to reach the besieged population.

Starvation rise, WHO sounds alarm

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently reported “alarming levels” of malnutrition in Gaza, citing 74 deaths from hunger-related causes this year with 63 of them in July alone. Among the victims were 24 children under five.

According to WHO data, nearly one in five children in Gaza is now acutely malnourished. In some areas, particularly Gaza City, the number of children aged four to six suffering from acute malnutrition has tripled since June. Experts

Israel announces “tactical pause” 

In response to growing global outrage, Israel has begun a limited daily pause in military operations in three densely populated areas — Gaza City, Deir al-Balah and Muwasi — from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Israeli military said this so-called “tactical pause” is aimed at facilitating aid deliveries. However, airstrikes have continued in other areas, with recent attacks killing several civilians, including women and children. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the situation, stating, “Whichever path we choose, we will have to continue to allow the entry of minimal humanitarian supplies.”

Efforts are underway to scale up relief. Jordan and the UAE recently coordinated airdrops delivering 25 tonnes of food and essential supplies into Gaza. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed the Israeli decision, noting it now had sufficient food stocks to feed Gaza’s population for nearly three months. However, it warned that only a full ceasefire would ensure safe and consistent aid distribution.

The WFP also reported that over 500,000 people in Gaza are experiencing famine-like conditions, with many going without food for days.

Dr Muneer al-Boursh, director-general of Gaza’s Health Ministry, urged international organisations to act quickly. “This truce will mean nothing if it doesn’t turn into a real opportunity to save lives,” he said. “Every delay is measured by another funeral.”

Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations remain stalled, with Israel and the US withdrawing their teams from talks in Qatar. Israel maintains that it will end the war only if Hamas surrenders, a condition which Hamas has refused.

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