The 21-month war in Gaza continues relentlessly. Over 58,000 people have been killed. More than 100,000 are wounded. Child deaths from malnutrition are alarmingly rising. UN agencies recorded nearly 900 deaths recently.
These were desperate, hungry Gazans seeking food. Most deaths link to private aid hubs. These are run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
Juliette Touma, UNRWA’s communications director, shares her reflections. She has visited Gaza and other conflict zones. Her past encounters with starving children haunt her. She met Adam in Hudaydah, Yemen, years ago. He was 10, weighing just over 10 kilograms.
Adam died from malnutrition days later. Years before, in Syria, Ali, 16, also died from malnutrition. An epidemiologist noted, “a 16-year-old dying of malnutrition means no food at all.” These images resonate with the current Gaza crisis.
GRIM REALITY OF HUNGER IN GAZA
Gaza now faces a severe hunger crisis. This contrasts sharply with pre-war conditions.
A Rapid Decline in Child Health
In 2022, Gaza’s children seemed healthy. UNRWA schools showed immaculately dressed, eager students. Food was available through imports and local produce. UNRWA also provided food aid to over one million. Now, alarming photos of emaciated babies arrive. Malnutrition rates are rapidly increasing across Gaza. The WHO reports over 50 child deaths from malnutrition. This has occurred since the siege began on March 2.
Vulnerable Infants: Ahlam and Salam
UNRWA screened over 242,000 children. This covers over half of Gaza’s children under five. One in ten children screened is malnourished. Ahlam, seven months old, is severely malnourished. Her family faced monthly displacement. Her immune system is damaged. Trauma, displacement, lack of clean water, and poor hygiene contribute. Very little food is available. Ahlam’s survival remains uncertain. Salam, another malnourished baby, recently died. She reached the UNRWA clinic too late.
The Devastating Impact of Blockades
Very few therapeutic supplies exist for malnourished children. Basics are scarce in Gaza. Israeli authorities imposed a tight siege. Food, medicines, and hygiene materials are blocked. UNRWA has not received humanitarian assistance since March 2.
Eight children seeking therapeutic support were killed. Israeli forces hit the clinic they were in. A colleague witnessed weeping mothers. Their silence mirrored Adam’s quiet death.