Gaza Herald – The Palestinian Health Ministry has warned about the extraordinary levels of malnutrition across Gaza, mostly affecting children and women. In the past 24 hours, the ministry recorded seven new deaths from malnutrition, including one child.
The ministry further expressed deep concern over the rising number of deaths from malnutrition, which has reached 169, including 93 children.
The health authorities confirmed that the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen amid a complete lack of food and medical supplies caused by the Israeli siege. It called on the international community and relief organizations to urgently intervene and pressure Israel to lift the siege on Gaza.
Early on Saturday, a teen died in Gaza from malnutrition as a result of the relentless and ongoing Israeli siege on Gaza’s crossings, which continues to prevent the entry of food and humanitarian aid.
The 17-year-old boy had been suffering from acute malnutrition before he was pronounced dead, according to medical sources at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza.
The father of Ahed Abu Khater said that his son had spent twenty days at Al-Helou International Hospital as his health condition continued to deteriorate due to malnutrition.
His brother, Atif, explained that he had previously enjoyed good health and had never suffered from any illnesses, confirming that his condition began to deteriorate about 30 days before his death due to the Israeli blockade on food.
“Markets are devoid of food and drinks, and even when food is available, it is unaffordable,” the brothers added, confirming that their brother died just hours after receiving promises that he would be allowed to travel abroad for treatment.
Growing Humanitarian Crisis
The people of Gaza has been experiencing a catastrophic humanitarian situation amid the deadliest war launched by Israel since October 7, 2023, and a complete absence of international relief.
Since March 2, Israeli forces have closed all crossings leading into Gaza, raising doubts about the credibility of the ceasefire agreement signed on January 18, which stipulated the daily entry of 600 aid trucks and 50 fuel trucks.
The population had depended on stored food supplies, which gradually ran out, accelerating the onset of famine due to the absence of milk, meat, vegetables, poultry, medicine, and hygiene products.
The Israeli war on Gaza, backed by the United States, has resulted in over 208,000 Palestinians killed or injured, the majority of whom are women and children. In addition, around 9,000 people remain missing, while hundreds of thousands have been displaced and are now facing starvation.
