UN experts accuse Israel of starvation campaign leading to child deaths in Gaza

United Nations human rights experts have accused Israel of conducting a "targeted starvation campaign" in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of numerous Palestinian children.

On Tuesday (9 July), a group of independent experts reported that famine has spread across the entire Gaza Strip, evidenced by recent child fatalities due to hunger and malnutrition.

They highlighted specific cases, including Fayez Ataya (6 months old), Abdulqader Al-Serhi (13 years old), and Ahmad Abu Reida (9 years old), who all died between 30 May and 3 June 2024, from malnutrition and lack of access to adequate healthcare.

The experts emphasized that these deaths indicate a severe weakening of Gaza's health and social structures.

"With the death of these children from starvation despite medical treatment in central Gaza, there is no doubt that famine has spread from northern Gaza into central and southern Gaza," they stated.

Accusing Israel of intentional and targeted starvation, the experts described this as a form of genocidal violence leading to famine across Gaza.

They urged the international community to prioritize the delivery of humanitarian aid, end Israel's siege, and establish a ceasefire.

"The whole world should have intervened earlier to stop Israel’s genocidal starvation campaign and prevent these deaths," they asserted.

Since 7 October, thirty-four Palestinians, primarily children, have died from malnutrition.

The experts stressed that inaction amounts to complicity.

However, Israel’s diplomatic mission to the UN in Geneva dismissed the statement, accusing the experts of "spreading misinformation" and "supporting Hamas propaganda."

"Israel has continuously increased its coordination and assistance in delivering humanitarian aid across the Gaza Strip. Recently, it connected its power line to the Gaza water desalination plant," the mission stated, alleging that Hamas operatives "intentionally steal and hide aid from civilians."

Gaza health authorities reported that at least 33 children have died of malnutrition, mostly in northern Gaza, which had faced the brunt of the Israeli military campaign launched in October.

Recently, Israel's ground invasion has extended to southern Gaza, further reducing aid flows amid restrictions, with Israel accusing UN agencies of failing to distribute supplies efficiently.

The determination of famine conditions rests with the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a UN-backed global monitor.

Last month, the IPC warned that Gaza remained at high risk of famine as the war continues and aid access is restricted.

The IPC reported that more than 495,000 people in Gaza, over a fifth of the population, are experiencing the most severe level of food insecurity, down from a forecast of 1.1 million in March.

This level indicates an extreme lack of food and widespread starvation.