Child Deaths from Hunger Rise to 66 in Gaza as Israel Blocks Baby Formula and Aid

The number of children who have died from malnutrition in Gaza has risen to 66, the Government Media Office announced on Saturday. The deaths came as a direct result to the ongoing Israeli blockade and the closure of border crossings and cutting off baby formula, food, and nutritional supplements.

In a press statement, the media office said the deaths are the result of a deliberate policy by the Israeli occupation to starve civilians, especially infants and the sick. It described the use of starvation as a weapon as both a war crime and a crime against humanity.

“This is not neglect—it is extermination,” the statement said.

Israeli forces have prevented the entry of infant formula and life-saving medical nutrition into Gaza for months. The media office warned that many more children and patients face the same fate unless the siege is lifted immediately.

The office condemned the international community’s silence, calling it a betrayal of basic human rights. It held Israel fully responsible for the deaths and also blamed its Western allies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, for enabling genocide.

“This ongoing crime against childhood must not go unanswered,” the statement said.

Gaza’s health system has collapsed under Israel’s siege. Hospitals lack food, medicine, and electricity. Aid convoys are blocked at crossings. Doctors say children are dying from hunger, dehydration, and preventable diseases.

The Government Media Office called on the United Nations, Arab and Islamic nations, and human rights groups to intervene. It urged them to pressure Israel to immediately open the crossings and allow food and medicine to enter before more children die.

“Time is running out. Every hour counts,” the statement warned.