The ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza is reprehensible. Field reports from partners on the ground indicate a tenfold increase in children experiencing severe malnutrition and acute food scarcity. Keir Starmer, leader of the UK Labour Party, described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “unspeakable and indefensible.” His speech pointed the world toward the immediate need for global intervention. As over 90,000 women and children face critical malnutrition, healthcare professionals warn that the most vulnerable populations are suffering the most.
Amal Masri, a 31-year-old pregnant mother living in Gaza described her desperate search for food as she and her family fled to the south. “Most of the time I am completely exhausted, my blood pressure is very low, and I often feel like I’m suffocating, like I’m on the verge of death,” she stated. Her words speak to the tragic reality that so many residents of Gaza live in as the bombing and blockade continue.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has reported a sevenfold increase in severe malnutrition rates among children under five at its Gaza City pediatric clinic. In only two weeks, these rates have increased to three times as high. The nonprofit warned that nearly 90,000 women and children need immediate care for malnutrition. Make no mistake, the moment is urgent. At least 122 people have died from hunger, nine in the past 24 hours.
Now, healthcare professionals in Gaza are trying to raise the alarm as well. Naji al-Qurashali, an open-heart surgeon, OB-GYN, scans hundreds of pregnant women each day. He is sure that at least half are suffering the effects of malnutrition. He expressed his anguish over the circumstances: “As a helpless doctor, it is an incredibly painful feeling. The malnutrition situation is unimaginable. Throughout my entire medical career, I never expected that things would reach this level.”
The continuing war has also had catastrophic effects on reporters. Since the invasion started, unfortunately over 180 Palestinian journalists and media personnel have died from these attacks. At least 19 of these deaths have been determined to be targeted killings committed by Israeli forces. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has roundedly condemned these actions. In addition to restricting the movement of journalists, they emphasize the very real risks for journalists reporting from inside Gaza.
Despite international outcry and the worsening humanitarian conditions, Israel has restricted foreign reporters’ access to Gaza since October 7, 2023. According to recent stories, only people going in under military escort are allowed. In a remarkable turn of events, the Israeli military made a groundbreaking declaration. These include plans to let Jordan and the United Arab Emirates directly airdrop aid into Gaza.
Global leaders have responded to the deepening crisis with outrage. António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, stated, “This is not just a humanitarian crisis. It is a moral crisis that challenges the global conscience. We will continue to speak out at every opportunity.” At the same time as this initiative moved forward, French president Emmanuel Macron announced that France would recognize a Palestinian state at the coming UN General Assembly.
Back in the UK, Starmer is facing extreme pressure. With the situation as it is, more than 100 MPs are now calling on him to officially recognize a Palestinian state. The international humanitarian community is warning of impending mass starvation across Gaza. Medical professionals are warning that children and pregnant women often pay the highest price in crises of hunger.
Ismail al-Thawabta, the director of Hamas-run Gaza government media office, called for immediate action: “The Gaza Strip does not need flying aerobatics; it needs an open humanitarian corridor and a steady daily flow of aid trucks to save what remains of the lives of besieged, starving civilians.”
“It is the starvations weaponized situation that has caused MSF to speak out against the unprecedented levels in Gaza. ‘Israeli authorities’ deliberate use of starvation as a weapon in Gaza has reached unprecedented levels, with patients and healthcare workers themselves now fighting to survive,’ MSF stated.”