Dire Situation for Newborn Babies in Gaza as Malnutrition Crisis Worsens

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Local sources from Egypt: الحرة, اليوم السابع.
UK coverage: Sky News.

Newborn babies in Gaza are facing a dire situation, with little chance of survival, according to the director of a hospital in northern Gaza. The malnutrition ward at the hospital is filled with babies, many of whom are premature, fighting for their lives. The mothers themselves are malnourished and unable to breastfeed, resulting in babies starving to death. The situation is expected to worsen, with over 250 cases of malnutrition detected in just two weeks. The hospital director is urging the world to allow the entry of food and clear water to help these babies.

Experts who have reviewed satellite images and data have stated that the weak agricultural sector in Gaza is ‘on the verge of collapse,’ even in small areas that have been facing significant difficulties in securing food resources even before the war, according to a report published by the American newspaper ‘The Washington Post.’ The report highlights that nearly half of the agricultural lands in Gaza have suffered significant damage, with Israeli forces bulldozing agricultural lands and demolishing Palestinian homes and schools to establish a ‘buffer zone’ along the border with Israel. Israeli officials claim that the buffer zone is a necessary security measure, but critics argue that it is causing further devastation to the already limited food resources in Gaza.

The ability of the Gaza Strip to feed its population has been limited for nearly two decades due to the blockade imposed by Israel. Gaza residents have resorted to innovative methods such as rooftop agriculture and makeshift fishing boats to sustain themselves. However, these methods have become increasingly difficult due to the destruction of olive and fruit trees, agricultural greenhouses, and fishing fleets. The level of food insecurity has reached a critical stage, with 80% of the population relying on humanitarian aid. The United Nations warns that Gaza residents represent 80% of the world’s population facing the risk of famine or catastrophic hunger.

The Israeli occupation forces’ actions have been described as a weapon of annihilation, targeting not only the lives of Palestinians through attacks but also their access to basic necessities such as food and water. The complete siege imposed on Gaza has left 2.3 million Palestinians deprived of essential supplies. UN experts state that Israel is intentionally destroying the food system in Gaza and using food as a weapon against the Palestinian people. The situation has led to widespread hunger, with 25% of the population facing catastrophic levels of hunger and struggling to find food and drinking water. The occurrence of famine is imminent.

The international community is being urged to provide relief to the Palestinian people and allow the entry of food and clear water to alleviate the dire situation. Legal experts highlight that under international humanitarian law, warring parties are prohibited from depriving civilians of access to food and water. The destruction of civilian infrastructure and the prevention of aid delivery are exacerbating the crisis. The urgent need for humanitarian aid is emphasized to prevent the occurrence of genocide, as the suffering and slow death caused by prolonged occupation and siege contribute to the ongoing process of genocide.

It is crucial for the world to take immediate action to address the malnutrition crisis in Gaza and ensure the survival of newborn babies and the well-being of the entire population. The dire situation calls for a collective effort to provide the necessary resources and support to alleviate the suffering and prevent further loss of innocent lives.