Newborns die of hunger and mothers struggle to feed their children as Israel’s siege condemns Gazans to starvation

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The situation in Gaza is dire, with severe restrictions on aid entering the region, causing essential supplies to drain. Displaced Palestinians are struggling to feed their children, and starving mothers are unable to produce enough milk for their babies. Health facilities are overwhelmed, and malnourished Gazans cannot receive life-saving treatment due to the destruction of the medical system by Israel's bombardment and siege.

Devastating Impact on Children and Mothers

The impact of the crisis on children and mothers is particularly devastating. One-year-old Watin in northern Gaza has grown weak and dehydrated, surviving on only one to two dates a day. Pregnant women face the risk of dying, with limited access to prenatal and postnatal check-ups due to bombings and the need to flee for safety. Over 90% of children aged 6-23 months and pregnant, breastfeeding women face severe food poverty, with access to only two or fewer food groups per day. Child malnutrition is three times higher in northern Gaza compared to southern Gaza, leading to dehydration, malnutrition, and even death.

Destroyed Healthcare System and Displacement

Israel's bombardment has resulted in the displacement of at least 1.7 million Palestinians, who are living in overwhelmed shelters without basic sanitation, leading to the spread of infections. Malnourished children, especially those with severe malnutrition, are at a higher risk of dying from common illnesses like diarrhea and pneumonia. The lack of oxygen and fuel shortages further exacerbate the situation, leading to deaths in intensive care and neonatal units.

Challenges in Aid Delivery

Aid drops have been organized by countries like the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and the United States to provide medical supplies and food. However, these drops have been criticized as inefficient and degrading, and human rights groups have urged Israel to lift controls on land crossings into Gaza. Even when aid does make it into the region, the collection process can be dangerous, as Israeli forces have opened fire on people waiting for aid, resulting in casualties.

Urgent Call for Immediate Action

The CEO of the UK-based NGO, Medical Aid for Palestinians, has urged Israel to immediately open all crossings into Gaza to facilitate aid delivery. Only safe and unfettered access for aid and aid workers, along with the lifting of the siege and an immediate ceasefire, can end the starvation and suffering in Gaza. The international community must come together to address this humanitarian crisis and ensure the well-being of the people in Gaza.

It is heartbreaking to witness the suffering of the people in Gaza, and urgent action is needed to alleviate their plight.