TOPSHOT – Palestinian women and children hold out their empty pots in front of a charity kitchen in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on August 21, 2025. Rights group Amnesty International earlier this week accused Israel of enacting a “deliberate policy” of starvation in Gaza. Israel heavily restricts aid coming into Gaza but has repeatedly rejected claims of deliberate starvation. (Photo by AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)
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A famine has been officially declared in northern Gaza, as reported by The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis. This dire situation is expected to impact over half a million individuals in Gaza, according to the World Health Organization, and is largely attributed to Israel’s restrictions on food and aid entering Gaza, as outlined in reports from NPR.
While famines are commonly associated with starvation and empty plates, they also represent a significant public health crisis that can have long-lasting effects on a population. The health implications of a famine extend beyond mere hunger, impacting various bodily systems and societal layers. Here’s how a famine can affect the health of those affected by it.
Malnutrition And Failure To Thrive
One of the immediate consequences of a famine is starvation and malnutrition. In the absence of essential nutrients and calories, the body resorts to breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and eventually muscle for sustenance. For children, this can result in stunted growth, malnutrition, and wasting. Adults are also susceptible to severe health issues. Deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A and iron can lead to blindness and anemia, respectively.
Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable during famines, as malnutrition significantly raises the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental delays in newborns. This perpetuates a cycle of poor health across generations, with lasting repercussions for years to come.
Weakened Immunity
Famines not only induce hunger but also weaken communities at a time when resilience is crucial. Starvation and malnutrition compromise the immune system of both children and adults, making them more susceptible to infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and malaria, among others.
Malnourished individuals lack essential vitamins and minerals necessary to combat infections. For instance, vitamin C plays a vital role in white blood cell production, which is crucial for fighting infections. A simple respiratory illness that might be survivable in a well-nourished person can prove fatal in a malnourished child during a famine. Since mid-July, at least 16 children under the age of 5 in Gaza have died from hunger-related causes, according to the United Nations.
Chronic Medical Conditions
Research indicates that children experiencing malnutrition and starvation may suffer lifelong health impacts. These individuals are more prone to developing obesity, heart disease, and diabetes in the future. These chronic conditions result in disability, frequent hospital visits, medication reliance, financial instability, and premature death.
The lasting effects of chronic health conditions stem from the body’s adaptation to scarcity, rendering it more vulnerable to calorie-rich diets later on. Additionally, starvation leads to the breakdown of the heart muscle, making it inefficient and unable to meet the body’s circulation demands. Even after food supplies stabilize, a famine can pave the way for future epidemics of non-communicable diseases.
Mental Health
The psychological trauma of a famine, though less discussed, is equally devastating as the physical consequences. Food insecurity resulting from starvation and famine can trigger significant stress, anxiety, and depression. For parents witnessing their children starve, the psychological toll can lead to trauma that undermines community cohesion. Children who endure famine firsthand may develop post-traumatic stress disorder, impacting their productivity in school, educational attainment, and financial stability. These psychological effects can persist long after physical needs are met.
The declared famine in Gaza is not just a food shortage; it signifies a public health crisis with enduring repercussions. Without immediate restoration of humanitarian aid and food supplies, this crisis will escalate, leaving a lasting impact on future generations. Food security is essential for human health and dignity, particularly for the citizens of Gaza who deserve better.
