Palestinians in Gaza are facing catastrophic famine or hunger, which represents an unparalleled humanitarian crisis. This is expected to lead to an increase in disease in the Strip, more severely among children, pregnant and lactating women, and the elderly. In light of the continued Israeli bombing and siege.
93% of Gaza’s population faces unprecedented levels of hunger, with food shortages and high levels of malnutrition. The family faces “catastrophic circumstances”: they suffer from severe food shortages and hunger and have been forced to sell their possessions and take other extreme measures to obtain a simple meal. Manifestations of hunger, poverty, and death are evident.
Palestinians are struggling to survive in light of war, worsening famine, the spread of diseases, and Israeli bombing.
“Currently, every person in Gaza is hungry; a quarter of the population is hungry and struggling to find food and safe water, and famine is imminent. Pregnant women are not receiving adequate nutrition and health care, putting their lives at risk. In addition, All children under the age of five – 335,000 – are at high risk of acute malnutrition. With the risk of famine rising, an entire generation is now at risk of stunting. Stunting occurs when a lack of adequate nutrition stunts the growth of young children and causes irreversible physical and cognitive disabilities. This would undermine the learning ability of an entire generation.
Palestinians in Gaza, who have suffered enough, now face death from hunger and diseases that could easily be treated with a properly functioning health system. This must stop. Food and other aid must also flow in much more significant quantities. We in the Shield Organization reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire for humanitarian reasons.
