Jenan Alskafi, 4 -month -old infant from her lane Gauzeshe died on Saturday of malnutrition and gastrointestinal problems for which she could not be treated, according to her doctor, due to the complete exclusion of Israel on Israel. Palestinian pocket.

The infant needed hypoallergenic milk – which is no longer available in Gaza – to deal with the chronic diarrhea that had caused her malnutrition and had weakened her body so much that she could not face an infection, said Dr. Ragbebbb Warz Aga.

“My heart was broken,” said St. Alskafi, a mother of Jenan, describing the death of her infant, whose name means “paradise” in Arabic and who in the last days of his life lost half his weight.

After the outbreak of war in Gaza, on October 7, 2023, the Israel It imposed exclusion on the Palestinian enclave by banning humanitarian aid entry. During about two months of a ceasefire, from January to March, he began to re -enter Gaza, but from March 2, Israeli forces have again imposed a complete exclusion.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has not responded to Reuters’ request to comment on malnutrition levels in Gaza and information that vulnerable people – including children – have died due to exclusion.

Israeli officials have stated that they do not believe there is a hunger crisis in Gaza, noting that a sufficient amount of help entered the enclave during the truce and explaining that the exclusion was imposed in order not to fall into Hamas the humanitarian aid.

As Palestinians do not have access to Gaza farms, and they cannot fish at sea, the whole population of the Palestinian enclave depends on humanitarian aid for its survival. The last time he entered Gaza was on March 2.

The UN and international relief organizations warn that a disaster is unfolding in Gaza, with the UN Humanitarian Affairs Office (OCHA) stressing that more than 2 million people – almost all of the pocket population estimated at 2.4 million – are facing serious food deficiencies.

Malnutrition seriously affects children, pregnant women and those suffering from chronic diseases, while delaying the recovery of patients with serious injuries, they stress many organizations.

“The situation gets worse day by day. We have 9,000 to 10,000 children taking treatment for malnutrition, “said Jonathan Cricks, head of UNICEF’s communication.

Hunger is a particular problem because it causes delay in the physical and mental development of children and weakens their immune system, while almost all of Gaza residents are homeless due to the disasters caused by the Israeli military operation.

“There is a large mountain of rubbish in which children dig to find some food. It is particularly worrying because the number of children who die from diseases for which prevention is certainly increased, “Cricks added.

The Gaza Ministry of Health has announced that at least 65,000 children in the enclave have symptoms of malnutrition, while the Gaza government’s press office pointed out that at least 57 people, most of their children, have died of malnutrition since March 2.

Netanyahu’s office has not responded to a request to comment on these information.

Malnutrition

Hunger does not worsen problems for children only.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) have announced that there is an increase in the number of patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes or hypertension, that are targeted at hospitals as they do not have enough food and have a lack of protein, nutrients and vitamins.

In a MSF clinic in Gaza, many patients with severe injuries are admitted, the condition of which is exacerbated by lack of access to food and clean water.

“We have to keep patients in the hospital for months, and under normal conditions they would have completed their treatment in a few weeks,” said Julie Fokon. There are 350,000 patients with chronic gauze diseases, such as cancer and diabetes, according to UN data.

The Palestinian Red Crescent has announced that there are no longer drugs for heart disease, hypertension or diabetes in the enclave, while stocks have been exhausted in baby milk and nutritional supplements.

“The ambulances are difficult to operate. Without food, water, medical supplies or fuel survival becomes even more difficult. Humanitarian aid must be entered into the Gaza Strip, “the Palestinian Red Crescent said in a statement to Reuters.

Pregnant people are particularly at risk. “We get up and dizzy because of the lack of food. There are no eggs, meat, food or water. We’re tired. We came to get pills, if we find them, so that we can stand and move, “said all al -Kafarna, a displaced pregnant woman.

Between 10% and 20% of the 4,500 pregnant women and breastfeeding who are asked are malnourished, the World Health Organization said in April. Malnutrients have problems such as anemia, fatigue and premature birth.