Daijiworld Media Network - Gaza

Gaza, Jul 27: A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded in Gaza as five-month-old Zainab Abu Halib, weighing less than at birth, died of severe malnutrition, highlighting the grim toll of the ongoing war and blockade. Her grieving mother Esraa pressed a final kiss to her lifeless child before burial, saying, “With my daughter’s death, many will follow.”

The infant was brought dead to Nasser Hospital on Friday, her body visibly reduced to skin and bones. A morgue worker carefully removed her Mickey Mouse shirt, exposing her sunken frame and protruding ribs. Born weighing over 3 kg, Zainab weighed less than 2 kg at death.

“She needed a special baby formula which did not exist in Gaza,” said her father, Ahmed Abu Halib, before her funeral in the hospital courtyard.

Dr Ahmed al-Farah, head of pediatrics at the hospital, confirmed Zainab suffered from severe starvation and could not survive due to the lack of a special formula for babies allergic to cow’s milk. “She had no disease, but without the formula, her condition worsened rapidly,” he said.

Zainab’s mother, also malnourished, could breastfeed her only for six weeks. The family lives in a tent after being displaced, like many in Gaza. “Our children have become just numbers,” she lamented, her voice breaking.

Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that Zainab was among 85 children and 127 people in total who died from malnutrition-related causes during the war. Doctors warn the situation is worsening rapidly. Al-Farah said his department, built for just eight children, is now treating around 60 cases, with more children arriving daily.

“Unless crossings are opened and baby formula is allowed in, we will witness unprecedented deaths,” he warned. Another clinic affiliated with the hospital is receiving about 40 new malnutrition cases weekly.

Doctors and aid groups blame Israel’s strict control over the entry of food, fuel, and medical supplies. After a ceasefire ended in March, Israel cut off aid completely for two and a half months. Under global pressure, it slightly eased restrictions in May, allowing about 4,500 trucks into Gaza—far below the 500 to 600 trucks needed daily, according to the UN.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry claimed baby formula was included in recent deliveries and rejected what it called “false accusations of starvation propaganda.” It announced a humanitarian pause beginning Sunday to allow more aid but accused Hamas of manipulating images of suffering children.

Aid agencies say much of the aid is being looted by hungry mobs and gangs. Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepens by the day, with children like Zainab paying the highest price.

“There was a shortage of everything,” Esraa Abu Halib said through tears. “How can a girl like her recover?”