Additional Coverage:
- A baby boy dies as starvation spreads across Gaza (nbcnews.com)
Gaza Hunger Crisis Claims Lives of Children, Doctors Warn of Impending Catastrophe
A devastating hunger crisis is gripping Gaza, claiming the lives of vulnerable children and pushing the besieged enclave to the brink of mass starvation. Six-week-old Youssef al-Safadi is among the latest victims, his tiny body succumbing to malnutrition. His father, Adham al-Safadi, shared his heartbreaking story, revealing the family’s inability to afford even basic formula or supplements for their infant son.
The Palestinian Health Ministry reported a surge in malnutrition-related deaths, with four children among 15 fatalities in just 24 hours, followed by another 10 deaths the next day. While these figures haven’t been independently confirmed, the severity of the situation is undeniable.
Over 100 aid organizations are warning of widespread starvation in Gaza, impacting even aid workers themselves. The United Nations reports people collapsing in the streets from hunger.
Although Israel briefly lifted its blockade in May, restrictions on aid delivery have left Gaza with dire shortages of essential supplies. Tragically, the U.N. reports that over 1,000 Palestinians seeking food have been killed by Israeli forces since late May, mostly near aid distribution sites. Israel maintains it allows aid into Gaza, blaming the U.N. and Hamas for distribution issues and has not directly responded to reports of malnutrition deaths.
Doctors in Gaza paint a grim picture, with children and pregnant women bearing the brunt of the crisis. American surgeon Ambereen Sleemi, working at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, describes the neonatal intensive care unit overflowing with malnourished infants.
She reports widespread malnutrition among patients, newborns, and even hospital staff. The lack of nutrition exacerbates other health issues, including a surge in infections.
Another American volunteer, critical care nurse Elidalis Burgos, confirms the widespread starvation, impacting the entire population, including healthcare workers. She emphasizes the lack of incoming supplies as the root cause.
Seventeen-year-old Abdulrahman Al-Ghalban, who had cerebral palsy and required specialized nutrition, is another tragic victim. His mother shared their struggle to find him suitable food amidst the shortages.
The desperate situation is evident at the few remaining food distribution sites. A small charity kitchen in Gaza City, offering only lentil soup, is overwhelmed by crowds of hungry people, including children desperately reaching for food. Volunteer Riyad Sa’adat laments the inadequacy of their meager offerings in the face of overwhelming need.
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- A baby boy dies as starvation spreads across Gaza (nbcnews.com)