Gaza is grappling with a deepening humanitarian emergency, evidenced by the rise in Palestinian baby hunger. In the past 24 hours, 14 Palestinians, including a baby and two children, died from starvation and malnutrition, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The deaths, reported on 28 July 2025, highlight the severe impact of Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid. These restrictions have exacerbated the starvation crisis in the besieged territory.
Infant and Children Among the Victims
Among the deceased was an infant named Muhammad Ibrahim Adas, who succumbed to malnutrition at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. This was due to a critical shortage of baby formula. This tragedy is a vivid representation of Palestinian baby hunger. The Gaza Government Media Office warned that over 40,000 infants under one year old are at risk of “slow death. This risk is due to the ongoing blockade, which has restricted baby formula imports for 150 days. The ministry reported that the total death toll from malnutrition since Israel’s offensive began in October 2023 has reached 147, including 88 children.
Israel’s Blockade Fuels Hunger
Israel’s tightened restrictions on aid since March 2025 have severely limited food supplies. This has worsened Palestinian baby hunger, with only a fraction of the necessary aid trucks entering Gaza daily. The United States estimates that 600 trucks per day are needed to meet Gaza’s needs, yet far fewer are allowed through. Consequently, this has led to widespread desperation, with Palestinians risking their lives to access limited aid at distribution sites. The Gaza Health Ministry noted that most starvation deaths have occurred in recent weeks as the crisis intensifies.
International Outcry Grows
The starvation crisis and the plight of Palestinian baby hunger have drawn global attention. US President Donald Trump acknowledged “real starvation” in Gaza on 28 July 2025, holding Israel partly responsible. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied the existence of starvation. This contradicts reports from health officials and aid agencies. The Gaza Government Media Office has called for the immediate opening of all crossings. This action would allow urgent humanitarian aid, including baby formula, to prevent further deaths.
