Khan Younis, Gaza – Gaza’s Nasser Hospital is struggling to cope with an overwhelming number of malnourished children as the region faces a worsening humanitarian crisis. For over two months, Israel has enforced a blockade, banning food, medicine, and other essential goods from entering the territory, leaving its 2 million residents in dire need.
Children Suffering from Malnutrition
Two-year-old Mayar Al-Arja, battling celiac disease, is among the 9,000 children treated for malnutrition in Gaza this year. Her mother, Asmaa, described the challenges of finding special food for her daughter, whose condition has worsened due to the lack of gluten-free options. “She needs diapers, soy milk, and special food, but they are unavailable or too expensive,” Asmaa said.
The World Health Organization has warned that people in Gaza are already starving, with tens of thousands of malnutrition cases expected in the coming months. Hospitals like Nasser are overwhelmed, with feeding centers at full capacity and supplies running out.
Blockade and Limited Aid
For over two months, Israel’s blockade has prevented essential goods from entering Gaza, destroying the region’s food production capabilities. Under international pressure, Israel recently allowed limited humanitarian aid, including baby food, into the territory. However, the United Nations has criticized the aid as insufficient, with only a fraction of the 600 daily trucks needed to meet basic needs entering Gaza.
Aid distribution has been further hampered by complex Israeli military procedures and the breakdown of law and order within Gaza. The United Nations Population Fund representative, Nestor Owomuhangi, described the situation as catastrophic, saying, “Everywhere you look, people are hungry.”
Hospitals on the Brink
Dr. Ahmed al-Farrah, a physician at Nasser Hospital, highlighted the dire conditions, stating, “We have nothing left. Supplies are running out, and the situation is catastrophic for babies and pregnant women.” Malnourished mothers and children are living off scraps, with some resorting to heavily watered-down formula or starch to stave off hunger.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has warned of 71,000 malnourished children and nearly 17,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women requiring treatment by March.
Stories of Desperation
Mai Namleh, a mother living in a tent, shared her struggles to feed her 18-month-old son. With little breastmilk and no access to formula, she gives him watered-down supplements to quiet his hunger. Another mother, Nouf al-Arja, described cooking lentils with excessive water to make them last, as her family faces an uncertain future.
A Call for Action
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate, with international organizations urging immediate action to lift the blockade and provide adequate aid. Without intervention, the region risks plunging further into famine, with devastating consequences for its most vulnerable residents.
