Gaza Faces Severe Food Shortages as Israeli Blockade Enters Two-Month Mark

For nearly two months, Israel has maintained a blockade on the Gaza Strip, preventing the entry of food, fuel, medicine, and other essentials, resulting in severe shortages and escalating hunger among the 2.3 million Palestinian residents. Humanitarian organizations are rapidly running out of supplies, and markets are nearly empty, leaving families to survive mainly on canned vegetables, rice, pasta, and lentils, while protein-rich foods, dairy, and fresh produce have disappeared. Prices for the few remaining items have soared, making them unaffordable for most people. Medical professionals warn that children are especially vulnerable, with increasing cases of malnutrition and long-term health risks due to the lack of essential nutrients. The blockade, imposed after the collapse of a ceasefire in early March, is drawing criticism from rights groups who label it a 'starvation tactic' and a potential war crime. Israeli officials are debating how to balance humanitarian needs with their goal of pressuring Hamas, but relief efforts remain stalled as desperation grows in Gaza.