Majority of Palestinians are too weak from starvation to access aid, report says

Seventy percent of Palestinians in Gaza are experiencing extreme weakness from starvation, hindering their ability to access humanitarian aid, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) said on Tuesday.

"The physical exhaustion is so profound that many are unable to make the long journey on foot to distribution sites or carry heavy loads even if they receive assistance," said the organisation in a statement as it released the findings of a survey of Palestinians in Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, Gaza City and North Gaza.

"The survey exposes the life-threatening consequences of the American and Israeli-backed distribution scheme and the severe psychological toll on a population with no safe haven," the statement said.

The organisation also said Palestinians trying to access the militarised-backed distribution scheme said they witnessed people, including family members, being deliberately targeted, shot, and killed by soldiers.

Press release: https://t.co/LTY3S4RNlj
A new survey of Palestinians in Gaza by DRC shows a population at breaking point: starvation and mass displacement have resulted in widespread physical exhaustion and a catastrophic mental health emergency. pic.twitter.com/HhHvPBGfOS

— Danish Refugee Council (@DRC_ngo) August 5, 2025