New York – The Israeli military’s ongoing bombardment of the Gaza Strip, which began more than four months ago with an invasion by Hamas terrorists, has resulted in a deadly conflict with no end in sight. The recent cease-fire that led to the release of over 100 hostages from Gaza has now faded into memory, leaving both sides locked in a relentless and devastating battle.
Aid groups are now warning of a potential humanitarian crisis, particularly for children, in Gaza. A new analysis by the Global Nutrition Cluster, a UN-led humanitarian aid partnership, has found that 90% of children under the age of 2 in Gaza are facing severe food poverty. Additionally, 95% of pregnant and breastfeeding women in Gaza are also affected by this severe food shortage. Infectious diseases are rampant among children under 5, with 70% experiencing diarrhea in the past two weeks. The report also highlights the lack of clean and safe water, with over 80% of homes in Gaza facing this issue.
The dire situation has once again raised concerns about preventable child deaths in the region. Ted Chaiban, deputy executive director for humanitarian action and supply operations at UNICEF, warns that if the conflict continues, children’s nutrition will continue to plummet, leading to preventable deaths and long-term health issues with potential intergenerational consequences.
The main medical center serving the southern Gaza Strip, Nasser Hospital, has also been affected by the conflict. The hospital has been accused by the Israeli Defense Forces of being used as a base for Hamas military operations. As a result, the hospital is now without electricity, water, food, and essential medical supplies, endangering the lives of patients and medical staff. The World Health Organization has also confirmed that Nasser Hospital is no longer functional and has evacuated critical patients to receive treatment elsewhere.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza has led to a dire humanitarian crisis, particularly for the most vulnerable in the region. The impact of the bombings and the siege on Gaza has exacerbated an already precarious situation, raising urgent concerns about the well-being of children and the ability of medical facilities to provide essential care. As the conflict shows no signs of abating, the international community faces mounting pressure to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.