The United Nations has issued a grave warning regarding the dire conditions for children in the Gaza Strip, indicating that every child under the age of five faces a significant risk of life-threatening malnourishment. This alarming statement comes amid increasing reports of starvation-related fatalities as access to humanitarian aid remains obstructed due to an ongoing blockade.
The World Food Programme, a UN agency, reports that approximately 320,000 children in Gaza are affected by a catastrophic collapse of nutritional services. Many face a lack of access to essential items such as safe drinking water, breast milk substitutes, and therapeutic feeding solutions. According to pediatrician Seema Jilani, the impact of malnutrition extends beyond immediate health concerns; it can severely disrupt children’s overall development, leading to long-term consequences including missed developmental milestones.
Recent updates from the Gaza Health Ministry indicate a troubling surge in deaths related to famine and malnutrition. Within a span of 24 hours, six individuals lost their lives, including one child, bringing the total number of hunger-related deaths to 181, with 94 of those being children. Additionally, the ministry reported a significant increase in cases of acute soft paralysis among children, attributed to both infections and malnutrition. This situation has led to at least three recorded deaths due to Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare neurological condition characterized by sudden muscle weakness.
Gaza’s government has condemned the blockade and accused Israel of systematically blocking over 22,000 humanitarian aid trucks from entering the region. This blockade was intensified following the end of a two-month ceasefire that preceded renewed military actions.
The plight of individuals like 14-year-old Mosab al-Dibs exemplifies the humanitarian crisis. Currently hospitalized in Gaza City, Mosab suffers from paralysis and malnutrition due to a lack of adequate medical supplies. His mother, Shahinaz al-Dibs, has expressed grave concerns regarding her son’s condition, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.
In another distressing account, a mother at a school-turned-shelter reported that her sons—who require special diets due to cerebral palsy—are facing extreme challenges in accessing necessary nutritional support. She noted a significant drop in their health since the outbreak of hostilities, with dire shortages of essential items such as baby formula and basic food supplies.
Ahmad Alhendawi, Middle East director of Save the Children International, highlighted the catastrophic nature of the situation, emphasizing that the extended duration of the blockade and food shortages has triggered severe malnutrition among children. Although some damage inflicted by hunger may be reversible with timely intervention, Alhendawi expressed concern that parts of the harm may persist long-term if immediate action is not taken.
The unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a situation that calls for an urgent and comprehensive response from the international community to ensure that essential aid reaches those in need and that the health and well-being of children are prioritized.
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