August 7, 2025 | 08:51 am
Amid the ongoing total blockade since March 2025, Palestinians in Gaza have had to make adjustments in their daily lives. Volunteers from the Indonesian humanitarian organization, the Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (MER-C), who are still in the Gaza Strip, describe the current situation where people can only eat once a day.
Gazans are forced to reduce their meal frequency from three times a day - morning, afternoon, and evening - to just once a day.
"(They eat) during midday or slightly before evening with a rather large portion. So that they hope, with their stomachs somewhat full, they can sleep soundly at night," said a MER-C volunteer when contacted by Tempo on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
This condition reflects the total destruction of the food distribution system in Gaza. Data from the Gaza Ministry of Health, as reported by Al Jazeera, shows that in the last 24 hours alone, six people, including a child, have died from hunger and malnutrition. Since the war began, the total number of deaths from starvation has reached 193, with 96 of them being children.
The Gaza Ministry of Health also recorded a surge in cases of acute paralysis in children. At least three Palestinians - two children and an elderly person - have died from Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare condition that causes sudden numbness and muscle weakness due to infection and malnutrition.
Allegations of Hoarding and Distribution Crisis of Aid
According to MER-C volunteers, there are various logistical barriers hindering the distribution of food aid that should enter Gaza. They mentioned that this crisis is not just due to technical difficulties, but is part of a systematic scenario.
"In our opinion, the Occupier (Israel) intentionally designed this scenario, creating this food crisis disaster with the aim of genocide," they said.
Although official reports from Israel stated that food aid trucks have been given access in accordance with the needs of 1.5 million Gaza residents, the reality on the ground shows otherwise. MER-C volunteers mentioned a significant disparity between the data and the actual situation.
"The number of trucks entering does not match, so the people of Gaza are slowly being made 'dead' due to the food crisis," they revealed.
They also revealed an issue that has been developing in Gaza's society, that there are allegations of some Israeli soldiers collaborating with irresponsible parties in Gaza to hoard aid in specific warehouses, under armed guard.
"So that the prices of specific food items rise higher, and only then do they sell them and profit," they added.
Israel's 'tactical pause' policy, implemented since July 27 from 10:00 to 20:00, has not had a specific impact. MER-C reported that looting by armed gangs affiliated with Israel still occurs, as well as shootings at civilian security groups attempting to guard aid distribution.
"The number of aid trucks reported by COGAT compared to the actual situation in the field is very different, with an average difference of 100-150 trucks," said the volunteers.
Editor's Choice: Gaza Death Toll in Israeli Genocide Rises to 61,100, Including 193 Died of Starvation
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Palestine Attends 80th Anniversary of Hiroshima Atomic Bombing Ceremony for the First Time
9 jam lalu
Thousands gathered in Hiroshima today to mark the 80th anniversary of the world's first use of a nuclear weapon in wartime, including Palestine.
Gaza Death Toll in Israeli Genocide Rises to 61,100, Including 193 Died of Starvation
9 jam lalu
At least 193 Gazans, including 96 Palestinian children, have died of starvation since October 2023, according to the Ministry of Health
Pro-Gaza Protests in Greece Lead to Evacuation of Israeli Embassy Staff
10 jam lalu
Israeli embassy staff in Greece have been evacuated from their homes in Athens following protests and escalating anger over the genocide in Gaza.
Tragedy Strikes as Aid Truck Overturns in Gaza, Killing at Least 20
11 jam lalu
The incident occurred as the victims and a large number of Palestinian residents gathered in central Gaza to seek food and basic supplies.
Trump Says It Is 'Pretty Much Up to Israel' Whether to Occupy Gaza
15 jam lalu
Donald Trump declares that the decision to occupy the entire Gaza is fully in the hands of Israel. He emphasizes that his main focus is to provide food aid to the Palestinian people.
Netanyahu vs IDF: Rift Forms in Israeli Govt over Gaza Onslaught Expansion
16 jam lalu
Benjamin Netanyahu declares Israel's intention to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, leading to international and domestic responses regarding the escalating situation.
Israeli Player Shon Weissman Dropped by German Club Over Gaza War Comments
20 jam lalu
The move of Israeli player Shon Weissman to Fortuna Duesseldorf has been cancelled due to his social media post about the conflict in Gaza, which sparked anger among the fans.
"Humiliating and Ineffective": Criticisms Follow as Countries Airdrop Aid into Gaza
1 hari lalu
Several countries, including Jordan, the UAE, France, and Canada, have sent humanitarian assistance to Gaza by air to address the food crisis resulting from the ongoing Israeli blockade.
Israeli PM Netanyahu Reportedly Aims to Control Entire Gaza
1 hari lalu
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to hold a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, to make a final decision.
UK's Royal Ballet and Opera Cancels Israel Production After Staff Protest
1 hari lalu
The National Opera of Israel has since removed all references to the Royal Opera House from its website.
