111 people die of hunger, malnutrition in Gaza as crisis worsens

China

111 people die of hunger, malnutrition in Gaza as crisis worsens

2025-07-24 03:40 Last Updated At：05:27

Fatalities linked to hunger and malnutrition in the Gaza Strip have risen to 111, including at least 80 children, since the conflict between Hamas and Israel erupted in 2023, according to a statement from Gaza's health authorities on Wednesday.

Health authorities said that at least 10 people have died of starvation and malnutrition in the war-torn region over the past 24 hours.

More than 100 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), such as Save the Children and Doctors Without Borders, signed a joint statement on Wednesday, accusing Israel of creating "mass starvation" by its continued blockade of the Gaza Strip.

The statement said that the Israeli government has implemented "restrictions, delays, and fragmentation" on the delivery of aid materials while continuing to block the Gaza Strip, resulting in "chaos, starvation and death" in the region.

The statement called for an immediate ceasefire, the opening of land crossings, and the restoration of the UN-led humanitarian aid system in the region.

On the same day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip are facing a "horror show", with an unprecedented level of destruction in recent times.

Since March this year, Israel has once again blocked the Gaza Strip and resumed large-scale military operations, exacerbating hunger crisis.

China's Xuelong icebreaker leaves New Zealand for Antarctic expedition after replenishment

China's research icebreaker Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, departed Christchurch, New Zealand for the 42nd Antarctic Expedition on Thursday after completing resupply operations.

The vessel arrived at New Zealand's Lyttelton Port Sunday evening.

During its stay in Lyttelton, the vessel took on 1,200 tons of light oil and replenished supplies including vegetables, fruits, and fresh water.

The light oil will be brought to China's Zhongshan Station in Antarctica, exclusively for fixed-wing aircraft.

Thirty four new crew members boarded the ship in Lyttelton to commence oceanographic operations.

The supplies of fruit, vegetables and other food items include not only items for the Xuelong crew but are also destined for the Qinling Station.

"The Qinling Station has a longer overwintering period, so they will run out of fruits later in the season. To better support their daily needs, we've replenished large quantities of green vegetables, fruits, beverages, as well as beef and mutton," said Li Donghui, the service team leader of the Xuelong vessel.

During its port call, the Xuelong also completed a freshwater replenishment of approximately 600 tons. The freshwater is primarily for drinking and kitchen use, serving as vital daily supplies for the expedition team during their subsequent fieldwork.