In Gaza, families struggle to feed loved ones in hospitals as a blockade by Israel restricts food and supplies. Asmaa Fayez managed to procure zucchinis, a luxury, to feed her 4-year-old son Ali, who has been hospitalized due to a blocked intestine. Hospital food is non-existent, forcing families to bring whatever they can. Dr. Khaled Alserr, a surgeon at Nasser Hospital, reports that patients, particularly children, have been losing weight due to malnutrition and a lack of nutritional supplements. Over 16,000 pregnant women and new mothers are facing acute malnutrition, according to the U.N.
The situation has worsened since the blockade began on March 2, with aid distributions halted and local markets left with only canned goods and a few vegetables at sky-high prices. Vegetable costs have skyrocketed, with zucchinis now at $10 per kilogram compared to less than a dollar pre-war. Many bakeries and charity kitchens have closed due to dwindling supplies.
Israeli actions, including military operations that have reportedly killed over 52,000 Palestinians, have significantly damaged agriculture, leaving 80% of Gaza’s farmlands unusable. In response to Hamas’s October 7 attack, Israel has continued its military campaign and claims that the blockade is intended to pressure Hamas. Rights groups, however, criticize the blockade as a “starvation tactic.”
Plans to control aid distribution in Gaza using private contractors have raised concerns among the U.N. and aid organizations, as these could restrict access and violate international law. Families, already struggling to provide basic nutrition, fear further obstacles in accessing aid, making the situation in hospitals increasingly dire.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
