Gaza Starvation Crisis Causes Malnutrition Deaths, Birth Defects Amid Blockade

Gaza is facing a humanitarian catastrophe marked by severe malnutrition and famine, especially among children, as a result of the Israeli blockade and ongoing military operations. Jordan’s Queen Rania has condemned Israel for starving Gaza's population under siege, highlighting the catastrophic destruction and shortages faced by hospitals and civilians. Medical professionals report a surge in life-threatening birth defects and preterm births linked to malnutrition, with hospitals lacking critical supplies to treat conditions like hydrocephalus. Numerous cases of severely malnourished children, such as 18-month-old Ali Abu Azra who weighs just a third of the expected weight for his age, illustrate the dire situation exacerbated by the blockade restricting food and medical aid. UNICEF warns that the combination of famine, displacement, and bombardment is pushing Gaza’s children to the brink of survival, with Gaza City devastated and nearly one million people trapped amidst collapsing infrastructure and scarce resources. Despite Israel’s denial of intentionally starving Palestinians, the crisis deepens, with international agencies confirming famine conditions and urgent needs going unmet.