Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis: Tenth Child Dies from Starvation

News Desk

New York: Humanitarian agencies have issued repeated warnings about the dire food insecurity and looming famine in Gaza, with reports emerging of a tenth child dying from malnutrition and dehydration.

According to UN health agency spokesperson Christian Lindmeier, while official records confirm this tragic toll, the actual numbers are likely higher.

The situation intensified with reports of four more children dying at Kamal Adwan Hospital, adding to the six fatalities from the previous day.

The escalating food crisis in Gaza, where one in four faces catastrophic food insecurity according to OCHA, triggered international alarm.

On Thursday, over 100 Palestinians were killed and many injured while seeking aid from a convoy. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the incident and called for an independent investigation, joined by other top UN officials amidst ongoing Israeli bombardment.

Images from hospitals depicted victims awaiting treatment, illustrating the dire state of Gaza’s healthcare system. WHO’s Lindmeier emphasized Gaza’s critical condition, with essential services like water and electricity severely disrupted since October.

OCHA’s Jens Laerke noted that Gaza once had food security, but now, sourcing food locally is nearly impossible, leaving the population deprived.

The latest IPC classification index indicates crisis, emergency, and catastrophic levels of food insecurity among Gaza’s 2.2 million people.

Laerke warned of an impending humanitarian disaster unless aid efforts are significantly boosted, echoing recent UN alerts to the Security Council. UNRWA reported a decrease in aid supplies reaching Gaza, exacerbating the crisis.

Previous Security Council discussions revealed Israeli attacks on civilian infrastructure, suggesting intentional targeting or reckless actions. However, recent talks were deadlocked over issuing a statement regarding the aid emergency.

Lindmeier stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire, highlighting the desperation for food and supplies after months of conflict. He emphasized the importance of preserving Gaza’s agricultural infrastructure and called for immediate action to avert further catastrophe.