Israeli military strikes and supply blockades have plunged Gaza into a severe malnutrition crisis, with starvation-related fatalities escalating throughout the enclave, particularly among children.
Gaza's health authorities said on Sunday that 86 people, including 76 children, had died from malnutrition since the Israeli forces resumed military operations in the region on March 18 and imposed strict blockades.
Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest hospital in the Gaza Strip, has witnessed a sharp increase in malnutrition cases lately. The hospital has to struggle for adequate treatment due to severe shortages of medical supplies and essential materials.
One of the patients is 14-year-old Musab, who is severely emaciated, with hollow cheeks and a weight of less than 10 kilograms.
"He used to weigh 40 kilograms and was the pillar of our family, supporting me and his sisters," said Umm Musab al-Dibs, Musab's mother.
Magdy Abu Sharkh shared the heartbreaking story of his brother, who was brought to the hospital unconscious from severe hunger-induced weakness.
"He has been unconscious for three days and can't recognize anyone around him. Yesterday, we gave him a bowl of soup -- the only thing available. Today, we can't even get any soup. Nothing is available in the market," Magdy said.
In recent weeks, the number of patients seeking medical care due to hunger has been rising, especially among children, and related deaths are also increasing, according to a doctor at the hospital.
"Most patients admitted to the hospital recently are not suffering from war injuries but from severe malnutrition. Even some of our medical workers have fainted from lack of food. The situation is grave, but it's not new. It's just that the quantity is rising rapidly lately," said Moataz Harar, head of the hospital's Emergency Department.
Israeli strikes, blockade drive widespread malnutrition in Gaza
Israeli strikes, blockade drive widespread malnutrition in Gaza
Israeli strikes, blockade drive widespread malnutrition in Gaza
