Save the Children says the reported deaths of at least 100 children from starvation in Gaza since October 2023 is a tragedy that should shame the world.

The organisation’s Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe, Ahmad Alhendawi, said food, water, and medical supplies were sitting at border crossings while children were dying.

“Children in Gaza are being starved by design by Israeli authorities. This was a wholly predictable and avoidable tragedy that humanitarian organisations have been warning about for months,” he said.

“With the Ministry of Health only able to provide data from what remains of Gaza’s health facilities, we know these figures are just the tip of the iceberg. Who knows how many more young lives have been needlessly destroyed?”

Alhendawi said malnutrition could cause lifelong health problems including stunting, weakened immune systems and organ failure, and could trap generations in a cycle of poverty.

He said Israel must immediately allow full access to life-saving food, clean water, medical supplies and staff.

“All available evidence indicates that the Government of Israel is using starvation as a method of warfare, a war crime under international law. Israeli authorities are obliged to provide aid to and protect civilians, and the international community is obliged to enforce international law. This is a moral scar on our shared humanity and shames the world,” he said.

Save the Children has operated in Gaza for decades, running primary healthcare centres, child-friendly spaces, and nutrition programmes. It has aid trucks waiting to cross the border with supplies including nutrition and care items for mothers and babies, medical supplies, tents and tarpaulins.