Israel Deliberately Starving Palestinians – Amnesty Report
Amnesty International accuses Israel of Purposeful Starvation in Gaza Amidst Escalating Conflict and Protests
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Gaza Facing Imminent Famine, Rights Group Claims
Amnesty International has issued a stark accusation, alleging that Israel is enacting a “deliberate policy” of starvation in the Gaza Strip. This claim comes as the United Nations and numerous aid organizations warn of an impending famine within the Palestinian territory, now in its 22nd month of conflict. the report, released today, August 18, 2025, details testimonies from displaced palestinians and medical personnel who are witnessing and treating severe malnutrition, especially among children.
AmnestyS report asserts that Israel is “systematically destroying the health, well-being and social fabric of Palestinian life,” framing the current conditions as an intended consequence of policies designed to inflict “conditions of life calculated to bring about their physical destruction.” The organization links this alleged policy to its ongoing investigation into potential genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
Conflicting Reports on Humanitarian Aid
Israel has consistently denied allegations of deliberately restricting access to essential resources, while concurrently heavily controlling the flow of aid into Gaza. The Israeli defense ministry’s COGAT (Coordinator of Goverment Activities in the Territories) recently released a report disputing claims of widespread malnutrition and challenging figures provided by the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza. However, Amnesty International’s report is based on recent interviews – conducted in the last few weeks – with 19 displaced Gazans in makeshift camps and two medical staff in gaza City hospitals, painting a drastically different picture.
As of this report, the Israeli military and foreign ministry have not issued a response to Amnesty International’s findings, according to the Associated Press.
Domestic Opposition to the war Intensifies
The accusations of starvation coincide with a surge in domestic opposition to the war within Israel. On august 17, 2025, tens of thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv for one of the largest demonstrations against the war since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. The protest, organized by the Hostage and Missing Families forum, saw an estimated 500,000 participants demanding an end to the conflict and the safe return of hostages.
Einav Zangauker, a mother of a hostage named Matan and a prominent figure in the protest movement, powerfully stated, “We demand a extensive and achievable agreement and an end to the war.We demand what is rightfully ours - our children.” She further criticized the government, asserting they had “transformed a just war into a pointless war.” A recent video message from Matan Zangauker, appearing weak and emaciated while in Hamas captivity, was shared by national media, further fueling the calls for a resolution.
Escalation in Gaza City and truce Negotiations
The protests follow a recent decision by israel’s security cabinet to approve plans for a military operation to capture Gaza City. This plan has drawn international condemnation and sparked domestic opposition. Lieutenant General Eya Zamir, the Israeli military chief of staff, confirmed yesterday that the army is proceeding with a plan “focusing on Gaza City,” prompting a warning from Hamas that it would lead to “a new wave of extermination and mass displacement.”
Simultaneously, Egypt is reportedly mediating renewed efforts to secure a 60-day truce deal that would include the release of hostages. Previous negotiations in Qatar ended without a breakthrough. Army Radio reports that residents are expected to be evacuated before troops encircle and seize Gaza City in the coming weeks, with tens of thousands of reservists being called up.
Recent Violence and Rising Death Toll
Yesterday alone, Gaza’s civil defense agency reported that over 60 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire, including at least 37 who were waiting to collect food aid. The current conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,219 people and the abduction of 251 hostages. As of today, August 18, 2025, Israel’s offensive has resulted in the deaths of more than 61,944 Palestinians, the majority of whom are reported to be civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, which the United Nations considers reliable.