Daijiworld Media Network - Gaza
Gaza, May 22: Two-year-old Mayar lies weak and malnourished at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, suffering from celiac disease in a region where food and medical supplies have become scarce after 19 months of war and blockade.
“She needs special food, soy milk, and diapers none of which are available or affordable,” says her mother, Asmaa al-Arja.
Over 9,000 children in Gaza have been treated for malnutrition this year, UNICEF reports. The World Health Organization warns starvation has already begun. “Everywhere you look, people are hungry,” said UN official Nestor Owomuhangi.
Though Israel has allowed limited humanitarian trucks into Gaza this week, UN agencies say it’s far from enough. Hospitals like Nasser are overwhelmed, with empty shelves and full wards. “We have nothing left,” said Dr. Ahmed al-Farrah.
Families in tents are feeding children watered-down formula or starch to quiet their hunger. “I try to pass it for milk to stop him screaming,” said mother Mai Namleh.
With tens of thousands at risk, aid groups say the situation is dire and worsening fast.