Severe Hunger Crisis in Gaza Evident in the Emaciation of Children

The hunger crisis in Gaza is starkly visible in the protruding ribs of a six-year-old girl, the thinness of her arms, and the weight loss suffered by her and those around her. For many, a meager purchase of two tomatoes, two green chilies, and a single cucumber is all that a homeless child can afford to feed their family for the day.

For 80 days until last week, Israel imposed a complete blockade on the Gaza Strip, halting all entry of food, fuel, and medicine. This measure was intended to pressure Hamas into releasing Israeli hostages still held captive, while ceasefire negotiations remain deadlocked.

In response to rising international concern over the total blockade, a limited amount of aid was permitted to enter Gaza starting last week. This allowed some bakeries to reopen, but humanitarian officials caution that these modest supplies have done little to alleviate the severe needs or halt the territory’s slide into famine. On Tuesday, restricted food distributions began under a plan that has drawn significant criticism but has the backing of Israeli authorities.

In northern Gaza, cut off from the rest of the region by Israeli troops, hundreds of thousands of people endure long waits for food from charity kitchens, which often run out quickly. Many are forced to dig wells to obtain water, regardless of its contamination and health risks.

The supplies available are never sufficient to meet the overwhelming demand.