Gaza Toddler with Rare Disease Recovers from Malnutrition in Italian Hospital

Two-year-old Shamm Qudeih, severely malnourished and suffering from a rare genetic metabolic disorder, has shown encouraging recovery after being evacuated from Gaza to Italy for treatment. Shamm arrived in Italy weighing about 4 kilograms, less than half the median weight for her age, but has since gained weight to 5.5 kilograms on a specialized diet including a nutrient-rich porridge. Her condition was worsened by the Israeli blockade on Gaza, which has caused widespread hunger and medical shortages, with over half a million people facing catastrophic hunger levels and Gaza City experiencing famine. A poignant photograph of Shamm taken by journalist Mariam Dagga shortly before her evacuation became symbolic of the crisis; Dagga was later killed in an Israeli strike on the Gaza hospital. Now in Naples, Shamm is more alert and engaged, bringing hope to her family and doctors who continue to address both her malnutrition and underlying genetic condition. The case highlights the severe humanitarian impact of the blockade and ongoing military operations in Gaza.