Gaza City: A wave of hunger strikes is spreading across the Arab world in protest against Israel's ongoing blockade of Gaza, as Palestinian health officials warn that famine is killing children at an alarming rate.

According to TRTworld.com, Gaza Civil Defence spokesperson Mahmoud Basal initiated a full hunger strike on July 20, stating, "If Gaza's children have nothing to eat, everyone should go on hunger strike." Basal emphasized his commitment, declaring, "I will not eat until my people can eat, and aid is delivered in a humane way that respects human dignity," during an interview with Egypt's Al Qahera News Channel.

Tunisian journalist Bassam Bounni has also joined the movement, declaring his intention to begin a hunger strike. He criticized what he described as Israel's use of starvation as a weapon and the militarization of humanitarian aid.

Meanwhile, the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza has announced plans for a global hunger strike on Tuesday, calling it the "Tuesday of Rage." This initiative aims to draw international attention to the dire situation in Gaza.

Gaza's Ministry of Health has reported that at least 86 Palestinians, 76 of whom are children, have died from hunger and malnutrition since October 2023. The ministry has labeled the crisis as "a silent massacre," with 18 starvation-related deaths occurring in the past 24 hours alone.

The ministry is urgently calling for the reopening of border crossings to allow the entry of food and medicine into the enclave. Israel has sealed all access points since March 2, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.