Children Starve as Millions in Gaza Face Severe Famine Threat Amid Ongoing Crisis

Photo : Reuters

Over one million inhabitants of Gaza are currently facing the most extreme form of malnutrition, classified by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) as 'Catastrophe' or 'Famine.' This dire situation is part of a broader global crisis, with nearly 166 million people worldwide in urgent need of action against hunger, according to the IPC.

Gaza's plight has been exacerbated by the Israeli military offensive launched in October following an attack on Israel by Hamas militants. This has led to severe destruction and a total blockade that initially cut off all supplies. While some humanitarian aid has been allowed since then, the needs far exceed the supply.

Majd Salem, a seven-month-old baby, is one of the many children suffering. Born on November 1, three weeks after the offensive began, he was being treated for severe malnutrition and a chest infection at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza. His mother, Nisreen al-Khateeb, shared that despite being born at a healthy weight, Majd's weight had barely increased by his six-month mark, highlighting the severe nutritional deficiencies faced by many.

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The malnutrition crisis in Gaza is staggering, with one in three children in northern Gaza acutely malnourished or suffering from wasting, according to UNICEF. Records show that at least 33 people, including 29 children, have died from malnutrition, though the actual numbers could be higher.

Efforts to provide aid face numerous challenges. The Israeli defense ministry agency COGAT, responsible for coordinating aid deliveries, did not comment on the situation. Israel's foreign ministry has questioned the IPC's methods, arguing that measures have been taken to improve food access in Gaza. Conversely, international bodies like the IPC and UNICEF highlight the severe and ongoing food shortages.

The global context of this crisis is equally grim. The IPC's classifications show that other countries, such as South Sudan and Mali, also have thousands of people facing famine conditions. Additionally, countries like Nigeria, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have millions in the next-most acute category of food deprivation.

The IPC, a collaboration of United Nations agencies, national governments, and NGOs, continuously updates its assessments. Recent reports suggest that Sudan could see as many as 756,000 people facing catastrophic food shortages by September due to ongoing conflicts.

Gaza's food crisis, driven by conflict, blockade, and destruction of farmland, has led to severe shortages and malnutrition. The ongoing Israeli offensive, which has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, has further strained resources. The International Criminal Court's prosecutor has accused Israeli leaders of using starvation as a method of warfare, a claim denied by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who asserts that all efforts are being made to ensure aid reaches those in need.

The health impacts of severe malnutrition are devastating and long-lasting. Children deprived of essential nutrients face delays in growth and development, weakened immune systems, and a higher susceptibility to infections. The lack of diverse and nutritious food in Gaza, particularly for pregnant and breastfeeding women, further exacerbates the crisis.

Families in Gaza describe a drastic decline in their diets, with many relying on minimal and inadequate food supplies. The conditions are dire, with many resorting to extreme measures to survive. The use of Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measurements in children shows a high prevalence of severe acute malnutrition, indicating the critical need for immediate intervention.

The IPC's latest projections indicate that the entire population of Gaza will remain in crisis through the summer, with updates expected soon. As conflicts continue to drive hunger worldwide, the need for coordinated international efforts to address food insecurity has never been more urgent.

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