Gaza: Gaza's hospitals are facing a dire situation as the Israeli blockade on food and supplies continues into its third month, severely impacting the ability to provide essential care to patients. In a rapidly escalating humanitarian crisis, hospitals in Gaza, like Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, have been forced to turn away from providing basic nutrition, relying on families to bring food for their loved ones.
Dr. Khaled Alserr, a general surgeon at Nasser Hospital, described the devastating effects of the blockade, stating that many patients have lost weight in the past two months. The situation is particularly concerning for intensive care unit patients who are missing vital nutritional supplements, making it harder to provide adequate medical care.
Aid organizations are reporting an increase in malnutrition throughout Gaza, with thousands of children suffering from acute malnutrition. The United Nations also warned that 16,000 pregnant women and new mothers are facing severe malnutrition this year. As the local markets empty out, food prices soar, and most of Gaza’s farmlands are no longer accessible due to damage caused by Israeli forces.
The blockade, which began in March, has not only prevented essential food from entering Gaza but has also crippled the local production of vegetables, further escalating the food crisis. In addition, many charity kitchens that once provided meals for the population have been forced to close due to a lack of supplies.
Israel has defended its military actions and imposed blockade as necessary measures to pressure Hamas to release captives and disarm. However, rights groups have condemned the blockade, calling it a “starvation tactic” and a violation of international law.
The UN and other aid groups have raised concerns over Israel's plan to control aid distribution through private contractors, which they argue could restrict the distribution of aid and further displace Palestinians. As the death toll rises, with at least 52,829 Palestinians reported dead and over 119,000 wounded, the situation in Gaza is becoming increasingly desperate. The international community continues to call for an end to the blockade and for immediate humanitarian relief to reach the people of Gaza.
