Gaza Farmland Collapse Drives Famine Fears

Gaza is confronting a worsening humanitarian emergency, as UN agencies report that only 1.5% of its cropland is currently accessible and undamaged, down from 4% in April, amid ongoing Israeli military operations. Nearly 200 deaths linked to starvation have been recorded, though experts warn this is likely an undercount due to malnutrition complicating other health issues and poor death registration outside hospitals. The destruction of agricultural land and strict aid restrictions have severely limited local food production, pushing the enclave toward full-scale famine. Hospitals are overwhelmed, medical supplies are scarce, and specialized medical teams have repeatedly been denied entry, further threatening vulnerable groups, especially children and premature infants. Aid organizations insist that more than food deliveries are needed, calling for urgent medical and nutritional care. While Israeli authorities deny there is widespread famine and claim aid entry has increased, international agencies argue these steps are not sufficient to address the crisis.