The streets of Gaza are eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the daily life that once thrived there. Hunger has become the dominant force, leaving behind a trail of suffering and despair. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza did not unfold overnight; it was sparked by the Israeli Defense Forces’ decision to seal all crossings into the enclave 16 days before the collapse of the temporary cease-fire.
As the situation worsens, Gazans are facing impossible choices. They are forced to line up for aid, risk their lives in the scramble for supplies, or sell everything they have just to put food on the table. The Hamas-run Ministry of Health has reported over 200 deaths from famine and malnutrition since the start of the war.
For many, faith is a lifeline in these desperate times. Ahmed Al-Sawafiri, a 35-year-old father of eight, describes the reality of survival: “We just need to get by. It’s all in God’s will.” His story is echoed by Mozayal Hassouna, who has lost her stall in the market and is now living in a tent with her sick husband. They are among millions of Gazans struggling to survive.
The situation is dire, with over 90 children dying from malnutrition since the war began. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification warns that Gaza’s food consumption and nutrition indicators are at their worst since the war started. Nearly 12,000 children were diagnosed with acute malnutrition in July, compared to just 2,000 in February.
International agencies insist this crisis is preventable and have called for an immediate and permanent cease-fire, unrestricted entry of humanitarian and commercial supplies, and protection for civilians and aid workers. Without these steps, the warnings are stark: famine will deepen, disease will spread, and more children will die.
As Gazans wait for peace, they are left with only one hope – that their leaders will reach comprehensive peace soon. Until then, they will continue to suffer in silence, their faith a fragile lifeline in the face of unimaginable hardship.
Source: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-08/gaza-famine-families-struggle-to-survive-ongoing-war.html