A six-week-old baby is among 15 people who have died of starvation in Gaza in the past 24 hours, according to local health officials. The alarming rise in malnutrition-related deaths comes as the conflict in the region enters its 21st month, with conditions deteriorating rapidly.
The infant, identified as Yousef al-Safadi, succumbed in a hospital ward in northern Gaza. His uncle, Adham al-Safadi, shared with Reuters the family’s struggle to find baby formula, stating, “You can’t get milk anywhere, and if you do find any it’s $100 for a tub,” as he mourned his nephew.
Three other children, including 13-year-old Abdulhamid al-Ghalban from Khan Younis, also perished. Palestinian health officials report that at least 101 people have died from hunger during the conflict, including 80 children, with most deaths occurring in recent weeks.
Escalating Crisis in Gaza
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is exacerbated by Israel’s control over aid supplies into the war-torn enclave. The majority of the population has been displaced multiple times, facing severe shortages of basic necessities. Criticism of Israel’s handling of aid has intensified, with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong joining 27 other foreign ministers in calling for an immediate end to the conflict and increased aid flow.
Meanwhile, shelling claimed the lives of another 16 people living in tents in Gaza City on Tuesday, as Israeli troops launched attacks across the strip. The Israeli military stated it was unaware of any incidents or artillery in the area at that time. Gaza’s health ministry reported that at least 72 Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire and military strikes in the past 24 hours.
International Response and Humanitarian Efforts
The head of the UN Palestinian refugee agency highlighted the dire conditions for aid workers in Gaza, noting that staff, doctors, and humanitarian workers are fainting on duty due to hunger and exhaustion. UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini stated, “No one is spared: caretakers in Gaza are also in need of care. Doctors, nurses, journalists, and humanitarians are hungry.”
International condemnation of civilian casualties and aid shortages has been widespread, yet effective action remains elusive. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described images of civilians killed during aid distribution as “unbearable” and urged Israel to fulfill its promises to improve the situation.
Challenges in Aid Distribution
Israel’s military maintains that it views the transfer of humanitarian aid into Gaza as crucial and is working to facilitate aid entry in coordination with the international community. However, accusations persist that Israel is obstructing aid, while Israel accuses Hamas of diverting food supplies, a claim Hamas denies.
Israeli military statistics showed on Tuesday that an average of 146 trucks of aid per day had entered Gaza over the course of the war. The United States has stated that a minimum of 600 trucks per day are needed to feed Gaza’s population.
The daily task of gathering food has become perilous for Gazans, with one UN agency estimating that over 1,000 people have died while attempting to receive food aid since May.
Looking Ahead
The ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza continue to draw international attention and calls for resolution. As the situation worsens, the need for a coordinated and effective response becomes more urgent. The world watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that will alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s beleaguered population.
