The people of Gaza are once again facing the terrifying prospect of famine as Israel continues to shut down the Karam Abu Salem crossing, cutting off vital humanitarian aid to the besieged strip. With aid suspended for the fourth consecutive day, memories of last Ramadan’s devastating famine—a direct result of Israel’s military assault—have resurfaced, leaving Gazans fearful of a repeat of the same harrowing ordeal.  

Sumaya Maqat, a Gaza resident, shared her anguish with the Safa news agency: “Closing the crossings means famine will return. The supplies here won’t last a month, despite Israel’s claims that they’ll suffice for five. It’s all lies to mask the reality.” Maqat recounted surviving last year’s famine on little more than dough made from flour and thyme, supplemented by wild plants like mallow and mulberry leaves. “I don’t know how we endured it,” she said, “but I can’t bear the thought of going through it again.”  

Halima Shahab, another Gazan mother, expressed her desperation: “I can’t watch my children starve to death. I’m doing everything I can to prepare for the days ahead.” Shahab’s children suffered severe malnutrition during the war, and she fears they won’t survive another famine. “Eating leaves and dry bread—just thinking about it makes me feel how miserable our lives are,” she said.  

International and local organizations have issued urgent warnings about the catastrophic consequences of blocking aid, emphasizing that Gaza’s population relies entirely on humanitarian assistance for survival. Ahmed Al-Dawousa, a Gaza resident, questioned the global response: “Will the world just issue warnings and empty statements while Israel remains unmoved?” He called for immediate action to prevent a repeat of last year’s tragedy, when starvation and malnutrition claimed countless lives.  

As the crossings remain closed, Gazans brace themselves for what could be an even darker chapter in their ongoing struggle for survival. The international community’s inaction, they fear, will only deepen their suffering.