Gaza Declared 'Famine Zone' After 20 Months of Israeli Blockade, 57 Dead from Malnutrition
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The Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohamed Mustafa, has officially declared the Gaza Strip a 'famine zone' due to Israel's ongoing military offensive and blockade, which began on October 7, 2023, and has lasted for 20 months. Mustafa urged all United Nations member states to take immediate action in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law to address this crisis and recognize the famine in Gaza. He emphasized the need for the international community to enforce UN resolutions that prohibit the use of hunger as a weapon of war.
Since the blockade, which halted humanitarian aid deliveries on March 2, severe malnutrition has affected the region, with at least 57 Palestinians, mostly children, reported dead from malnutrition. The World Health Organization reported that nearly 10,000 children have been affected by malnutrition since the start of the year, with about 1,400 suffering from severe acute malnutrition requiring immediate medical intervention. Among the victims, 4-month-old Jenan Alskafi died due to malnutrition and digestive problems, and 5-month-old Siwar weighs just over 2kg, reflecting the acute food scarcity.
The blockade has led to a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, with 91% of the population facing a food crisis, 65% unable to access clean drinking water, and 92% of children and nursing mothers experiencing severe malnutrition. Residents stand in long queues for hours hoping to receive scant food aid. The Palestinian Health Ministry highlighted the critical conditions, noting the blockade's impact on the availability of food, water, and medical supplies.
Hunger continues to plague the #Gaza Strip, where residents stand in long queues for hours in hopes of receiving scant food aid.
Relief organizations face severe difficulties operating due to the near-total closure of border crossings by Israel.
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Malnutrition rises in Gaza as Israeli blockade enters third month.
Her mother Najwa, 23, says her five-month-old daughter Siwar weighs just over 2kg.
“There was no food when I gave birth to her,” she says.
“If I wanted to feed myself so I could breastfeed her, I had no https://t.co/aDmc36OX29
