For nearly 60 days, the Gaza Strip has faced a blockade from Israel, resulting in a complete halt of food, fuel, and medical supplies. Aid organisations are rapidly depleting their resources, causing significant distress among Palestinian families who struggle to nourish their children. Many now rely on meagre rations, including canned vegetables and rice, as traditional means of sustenance vanish.
Mariam al-Najjar, residing in a tent camp near Khan Younis, shared the grim reality of her family’s situation. On a typical Friday, a day traditionally marked by feasting, her family made do with just four cans of peas and rice, a stark contrast to their previous meals of meat and rich dishes. The scarcity has forced families to adapt to a diet of canned goods, lentils, and pasta, with fresh produce and protein sources all but non-existent. The few remaining items in markets are priced beyond the reach of many, further exacerbating the crisis.
International observers have raised alarms over the humanitarian situation, labelling the blockade a “starvation tactic” that endangers the entire population. Reports indicate a worrying rise in malnutrition, particularly among children, as essential nutrients are now unattainable. For instance, a recent observation by Dr. Ayman Abu Teir from Nasser Hospital highlighted a staggering 80% increase in acute malnutrition cases among children within a month.
The blockade, instituted earlier this year under the guise of pressuring Hamas to release hostages, has resulted in devastating consequences. Rights groups describe it as a potential war crime, with dire implications for public health and welfare. As water and agricultural supplies dwindle, the nutritional landscape continues to darken. Many families, like the al-Najjars, reflect on lost dietary diversity, now constrained to whatever cans they can acquire.
In the marketplace, evidence of the crisis is stark. Stalls are often empty, with exorbitant prices posted for the few items that remain. Basic vegetables, for example, now sell for nearly $14 a kilo, limiting access for families already struggling to make ends meet.
Charity kitchens remain a beacon of hope, yet even these are facing closures due to dwindling support and resources. Workers at these kitchens, like Hani Abu Qasim, express deep concerns as food supplies run out and the need for assistance increases.
Mariam, like many others, faces an uncertain future. With each passing day, the likelihood of running out of food becomes more real, leading to fears that her children could succumb to hunger. This evolving crisis starkly underscores the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and relief in the beleaguered region.