GENEVA: The United Nations on Tuesday called on the international community to “flood” Gaza with immediate and substantial aid amid reports that children are dying of starvation in the war-torn Palestinian territory.
Talking to reporters in Geneva, Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN humanitarian agency, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “With children starting… to die from starvation, that should be an alarm like no other.”
The Gaza health ministry has confirmed the deaths of up to 15 children due to starvation and dehydration, while many others remain critically ill. The territory, subjected to relentless assault by Israel since October 7, faces an acute food crisis, with reports of malnutrition and famine-like conditions becoming increasingly alarming.
A recent assessment by the World Health Organization revealed harrowing scenes of starving children during a visit to two northern hospitals, marking the first aid mission to reach these facilities since October. Doctors at Kamal Adwan Hospital reported that at least 10 children had succumbed to starvation, highlighting the severity of the crisis.
Ahmed Dahir, who led the WHO mission, conveyed the heartbreaking reality of the war-torn region during a press briefing in Geneva, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.
Children’s Deaths of Starvation in Gaza
The health ministry’s latest update indicated that the number of child fatalities at Kamal Adwan Hospital due to malnutrition and dehydration had risen to 15, with an additional six infants facing acute malnutrition and imminent risk.
In response to the escalating crisis, US cargo planes, in collaboration with Jordan, conducted an airdrop of more than 36,000 meals in northern Gaza on Tuesday, in a concerted effort to alleviate the suffering of civilians.
The UN has cautioned that famine in the Gaza Strip is rapidly becoming “almost inevitable,” exacerbated by the prolonged conflict that has ravaged the Palestinian territory. Since October 7, Israel’s relentless bombardment and ground offensive have killed over 30,600 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to the Gaza health ministry.
