The ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza, which resumed in March 2025, was triggered by a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in significant casualties and hostages.

This retaliation has led to over 52,900 deaths in Gaza and has devastated much of the territory's infrastructure, which is home to 2.4 million people.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that at least 57 children have died from starvation in Gaza since March 2025, largely due to the humanitarian blockade imposed by Israel.

Rik Peeperkorn, the WHO representative for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, noted that only 500 children suffering from acute malnutrition are receiving assistance, highlighting the dire need for humanitarian aid.

The WHO has warned that if the humanitarian situation does not improve, approximately 71,000 children under five years old could suffer from acute malnutrition in the next year.

A UN-supported report indicated that one in five people in Gaza may face starvation, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.

Despite having resources ready for delivery in the West Bank, the WHO is facing logistical challenges in getting aid into Gaza.

Currently, 31 aid trucks are stalled in al-Arish, Egypt, just a few kilometers from the Rafah crossing, waiting to enter Gaza.

Peeperkorn emphasized the need to protect health facilities, calling for an end to the blockade, the release of hostages, and a ceasefire to achieve lasting peace.

He condemned attacks on medical centers in Gaza, particularly following an incident at Nasser Hospital that resulted in casualties.

Moreover, he pointed out that surviving children are likely to face serious long-term health issues as a result of the ongoing crisis.

Peeperkorn also highlighted that the lack of food and clean water could have permanent consequences for an entire generation of children in Gaza.