Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Over 50 Children Die from Malnutrition Amid Ongoing Blockade
Authorities in Gaza, controlled by Hamas, have reported a tragic increase in child fatalities due to malnutrition, with over 50 minors having died as a direct consequence of the Israeli blockade on humanitarian aid, which has been in effect for more than a month. The Gaza Ministry of Health revealed these alarming figures in a note to the Filastín newspaper, highlighting the dire situation faced by many families in the enclave.
In addition to the malnutrition deaths, 17 children have reportedly succumbed to extreme cold, underscoring the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by limited resources and harsh living conditions. Munir al-Barsh, the director general of the Gazan Health Ministry, stated that approximately 22,000 Palestinians require medical treatment abroad, with at least 13,000 of those needing urgent exit from the besieged territory.
The healthcare system in Gaza is nearing total collapse, with 20 hospitals completely out of service and an additional 18 operating only partially due to critical shortages of supplies and personnel. The situation is further worsened by the deaths of over 1,400 healthcare workers and the detention of around 360 others. This lack of medical services poses an imminent threat to the lives of countless residents in need of urgent care.
The situation has been made even more precarious by ongoing military actions. On Wednesday, at least ten individuals were reported dead following an Israeli airstrike targeting a school that had been housing displaced Palestinians in northern Gaza. The city of Gaza has been heavily bombed, particularly the Yafá school located in the Tufá neighborhood, which has seen multiple instances of violence in recent days.
Reports from the Civil Defense indicated that teams recovered ten bodies from the site of the airstrike, with many more injured. Furthermore, other casualties were reported from attacks on various homes in the vicinity, alongside concerns for additional missing persons who may be trapped in the rubble left behind.
In a separate incident, the Al Durra Children's Hospital also fell victim to Israeli airstrikes, affecting its alternative energy panels, although specific details regarding casualties from this attack remain unreported.
On the Israeli side, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich controversially stated that the Israeli government lacks the right to exist without reoccupying Gaza and establishing a military governance structure. His remarks followed a meeting called by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the ongoing conflict in Gaza and potential ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. Despite internal pressure for escalated military action from certain ministers, including those from Smotrich's Religious Zionism party, Netanyahu and key defense officials expressed a desire to maintain the current approach focused on hostage recovery.
Smotrich’s steadfast opposition to negotiating with Hamas positions him at odds with current government strategies, advocating instead for an unconditional military response to the crisis. While he asserts that Israel should control the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, such propositions have faced significant criticism. UN Secretary-General António Guterres previously condemned this idea, citing concerns that it would severely restrict essential supplies to the population.
The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with the death toll rising and the humanitarian crisis attracting international scrutiny. The lives of thousands hang in the balance as the conflict persists without a clear path to resolution.
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