Devendra Kumar
The dire situation in Gaza has reached a critical point, with children dying from malnutrition and dehydration. The precarious humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by months of Israeli bombardment, offensives, and siege. The northern region, which has been isolated by Israeli forces, is particularly vulnerable, with access to food supply deliveries cut off for months. Hunger is rife, and children, including some as old as 15, are succumbing to malnutrition.
Kamal Adwan and Shifa hospitals in northern Gaza have reported at least 20 deaths due to malnutrition and dehydration, with most of the victims being children. The situation is equally grim in the south, where access to aid is more regular but still woefully inadequate. Premature babies have died of malnutrition-related causes at the Emirati Hospital in Rafah, highlighting the devastating impact of the crisis.
As the UNICEF Middle East chief, Adele Khodr, lamented, child deaths the organization had feared are now a reality. Parents are struggling to provide for their families, with basic necessities like meat, milk, vegetables, and fruit virtually impossible to find. People are resorting to eating weeds, known as “khubaiza,” and bartering for basic necessities like chocolate.
Restrictions imposed by Israel have exacerbated the situation, largely shutting off entry of food, water, medicine, and other supplies. The UNRWA has accused Israel of restricting some goods and imposing cumbersome inspections, slowing down entry and distribution. Israeli authorities have argued that UN agencies do not do enough to distribute supplies, claiming that they do not do enough to distribute aid that is available.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, international pressure has been mounting on Israel to allow more aid into Gaza. In response, Israel has agreed to open crossings for aid directly into northern Gaza and permit sea shipments. However, the success of these efforts remains to be seen, and the people of Gaza continue to suffer under the Israeli blockade.
The devastating impact of this crisis is evident in the stories of families like Ahmed’s, who have lost their home and are struggling to survive. Ahmed’s 18-month-old daughter, Mira, eats mostly boiled weeds, while his 70-year-old father gives up his own food to sustain his young grandson, Oleyan. Another mother, Fatima Shaheen, has resorted to boiling the “khubaiza” weed as her main meal, while her family shares what little food they have with their neighbors.
Doctors are warning of the long-term consequences on the health and well-being of the Gazan population. At Kamal Adwan Hospital, 75% of the children being treated are suffering from malnutrition. Meanwhile, at Emirati Hospital, doctors express concern that premature babies are being released home too early, only to be brought back in a terrible state due to malnutrition and lack of adequate care. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the world watches, and the people of Gaza are forced to endure the cruel consequences of this humanitarian crisis, struggling to survive amidst the rubble and devastation of their homes.