Palestinians starve as Israel continues full ban on humanitarian aid

Huda Helles enjoyed a brief respite during the first days of the latest two-month ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

She lived with her family of eight in a makeshift tent in Al-Wihda Street, central Gaza City, after their house in al-Shujaiya was bombed by an Israeli air strike in 2023. She and her family had a plan for the various dishes they wanted to cook during Ramadan.

That plan was turned upside down on 2 March, when Israel closed the borders, halting the entry of all humanitarian aid, food, and goods into Gaza. The renewed blockade has brought the enclave to the brink of famine once again.

“We used to cook a variety of dishes every day, but now, for over 20 days, all we’ve had is rice,” Huda said. “Now it’s starting to give me severe stomach cramps.”

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