John AdoyiAs Gaza plunges deeper into a worsening humanitarian disaster, Mahmoud Basal, the spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Defence, has announced an indefinite hunger strike in protest against the “catastrophic famine” unfolding in the besieged enclave.
“I am Mahmoud Basal, a Palestinian citizen, a free human being, and the spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Defence in Gaza,” he declared in a widely shared video message.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“For days, I have been living off scraps of food, like more than two million others suffering from hunger in the Gaza Strip.”
Basal said he would begin a full hunger strike on Sunday, 20 July, in solidarity with the Palestinian people who, according to UN agencies, are facing unprecedented levels of food insecurity.
The World Food Programme (WFP) reported this week that nearly one in three people in Gaza are now going days without food, with malnutrition and hunger-related deaths rapidly increasing.
Gaza’s Health Ministry has confirmed that dozens—mainly children—have died from hunger and malnutrition in recent days.
The WFP has warned that famine conditions are imminent unless humanitarian access improves dramatically.
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Basal described his protest as both a symbolic act of resistance and a desperate appeal to the international community. “This is not only an act of protest, but of unity with my people,” he said. “Starvation is being used as a weapon. This is a documented crime, and I cannot remain silent.”
The hunger strike has drawn widespread attention on social media under the hashtag #HungerStrikeForGaza, with many praising Basal’s stance as a powerful expression of resilience and solidarity amid extreme suffering.
Since the escalation of Israel’s military campaign in October 2024, Gaza has faced not only relentless bombardment but also an increasingly dire humanitarian situation. UN agencies estimate that more than 1.1 million people in Gaza are currently experiencing catastrophic hunger, particularly in the north, where access to aid has been severely restricted.
The WFP continues to stress the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and safe, sustained humanitarian corridors to reach those in need. “Without consistent access, famine is no longer a threat—it is a reality in some parts of Gaza,” said WFP Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau.
Basal’s hunger strike, while symbolic, underscores the desperation of a population pushed to its limits. As the crisis drags on, he hopes his personal protest will help amplify Gaza’s cry for dignity, food, and justice.
