Humanitarian crisis deepens as children die of starvation in Gaza
Due to malnutrition and lack of medication, 10-year-old Palestinian Mustafa Hijazi died at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir Belah city where he was being treated, Deyr Balah, Palestine, June 14, 2024. (AA Photo)
In the Gaza Strip, where Israel’s sustained attacks since October 7, 2023, have severely impacted daily life and hindered aid deliveries, a dire humanitarian crisis continues to unfold. Reports have confirmed that in the past week alone, four children have tragically died from starvation.
Husam Abu Safiya, Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, spoke at a press conference, stating: “We lost a child in the hospital because of malnutrition in the past hours.”
He further disclosed that within the last week, four children brought to the hospital because of malnutrition had succumbed to their condition. Over the past two weeks, the hospital has admitted 250 children suffering from malnutrition and dehydration.
Despite facing immense challenges, including targeted attacks on health facilities by Israel, Abu Safiya emphasized the steadfast commitment of medical teams to support the people of Gaza.
He highlighted the urgent need for international organizations to intensify aid efforts, particularly in northern Gaza, by allowing essential supplies such as food, water, fuel, and waste disposal equipment to enter the region.
Abu Safiya warned of an impending health catastrophe if aid access is not improved swiftly, especially for patients with chronic illnesses who are at heightened risk of mortality because of the deteriorating conditions.
The Gaza government’s media office stated on June 17 condemning Israel and the U.S. administration for politicizing humanitarian aid and exacerbating hunger deliberately among civilians in Gaza.
They denounced these actions as contributing to a worsening humanitarian situation that is deepening suffering and threatening more lives.
Earlier, on June 3, the media office had reported that 3,500 children in Gaza were facing imminent death because of severe malnutrition and hunger, underscoring the urgent need for immediate international intervention.
On the other hand, it is reported that Israel has deliberately subjected more than 600,000 children to starvation.
Since the onset of Israel’s attacks on Oct. 7, the Gaza Strip has witnessed devastating casualties, with at least 37,551 Palestinians killed, including 15,694 children and 10,279 women.
Additionally, 85,911 others have been injured. The ongoing attacks have resulted in widespread destruction, leaving thousands buried under rubble and causing severe damage to hospitals and schools, which serve as critical sanctuaries for civilians seeking refuge.
