Infants in Gaza Face Life-Threatening Conditions Due to Lack of Baby Formula
The situation in the Gaza Strip has reached dire levels, particularly in the neonatal wards, where the most vulnerable—newborns—are suffering significantly due to a lack of essential supplies. During a recent visit to a neonatal unit in Khan Younis’ Nasser Hospital, NBC News’ team observed the grim reality faced by babies who are reportedly starving due to insufficient access to formula as Israel continues to restrict vital supplies to the region. Dr. Ahmad al-Fara, leading the department, expressed concern for the infants, stating, “These children are facing slow death.” The relentless shortage of crucial nutritional resources has made it nearly impossible to care for these newborns adequately. Dr. Marwan al-Hams, Gaza’s Director of Field Hospitals, highlighted the severe lack of infant formula available in hospitals, emphasizing that the malnutrition among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers only complicates the challenges faced by these fragile lives.
With many children already malnourished, the risks are escalating, leading to increased vulnerability to diseases and other health complications. Al-Hams shared that since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, at least 66 children have died from hunger and malnutrition. The harrowing reality at Nasser Hospital is exemplified by individual cases, such as 3-year-old Shams Mu’nis Dughayr, whose condition has worsened due to protein deficiency. The hunger crisis in Gaza has intensified recently, with UNICEF noting a staggering rise in acute malnutrition cases.
Their data indicates that thousands of children have been admitted to medical facilities, and current conditions could push acute malnutrition rates to unprecedented levels. The underlying cause of this humanitarian disaster remains the blockade on food and medical supplies, leading to preventable tragedies among innocent children. As medical professionals in Gaza urge for increased aid access, the larger humanitarian crisis continues to unfold, raising alarms about the impact of man-made policies on the lives of the region’s children.