Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza: Babies Starving Amidst Blockade

The situation in Gaza escalates daily, with the most vulnerable suffering the dire consequences. At Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, the haunting reality of infant starvation is palpable. Dr. Ahmad al-Fara, head of the neonatal ward, describes the gravity of the crisis: “These children are facing slow death.”

A Dire Shortage of Supplies

Hospital staff struggle to keep newborns alive in an environment where basic supplies, including infant formula, are critically low. Dr. Marwan al-Hams, Gaza’s Director of Field Hospitals, warns of the severe impact: “We currently do not have Type 1 or 2 infant formula in hospitals, nor the medical formulas needed in incubators.”

The dire situation is compounded by the rising levels of malnutrition among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, which exacerbates the plight of newborns. Compromised nutrition leads to severe health risks, with doctors witnessing a surge in infections, swelling, and organ failure among malnourished infants. Al-Hams reports that at least 66 children have succumbed to hunger and malnutrition since conflict reignited on October 7, 2023.

Increasing Vulnerability Among Children

Shams Mu’nis Dughayr, a three-year-old patient at Nasser Hospital, exemplifies the tragic consequences of this humanitarian crisis. Once expected to weigh 33 pounds, this little girl is now alarming at just 22. Nearby, mothers plead for assistance, highlighting their despair over their children’s condition. Noha al-Lahham echoes the cry for help: “My child needs milk and vitamins to live.”

As of now, UNICEF estimates that over 16,000 children aged between 6 months and 5 years have been admitted to hospitals for acute malnutrition just this year. The 11-week blockade on food and essential medical supplies has resulted in a shocking 150% surge in malnutrition cases among children. Despite a partial lifting of the blockade, the health crisis continues to spiral out of control, with UNICEF stating that each malnourished case is entirely preventable. The organization highlights the urgent need for food, water, and nutritional treatments, which are still obstructed from entering Gaza.

Alarming trends indicate that the number of malnourished children could increase significantly in the coming weeks. Conditions that were virtually unheard of 20 months ago are now disturbingly prevalent. In the face of this escalating tragedy, international organizations and medical experts call for immediate action and a re-evaluation of aid channels. Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF’s regional director, succinctly states the problem: “The solution is easy. The problem is man-made.”

The ongoing violence surrounding aid distribution has made matters worse, with over 500 casualties reported among those seeking food. The current aid systems have been condemned as ineffective. A humanitarian operation intended to alleviate suffering has turned into a “slaughterhouse masquerading as humanitarian aid,” according to Doctors Without Borders. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the reinstatement of safe aid delivery methods to mitigate the mounting crisis.

As the situation deteriorates, the eyes of the world remain trained on Gaza. Concern is growing not only for the children currently suffering but also for the future implications of this humanitarian crisis. Dr. Aziz Rahman, an American intensive care specialist volunteering in Khan Younis, emphasizes the ongoing struggle: “There are 600,000 kids under 5 in Gaza who are malnourished, and we are seeing the worst of the worst.”