As a result of Israel’s continuous blockade, strict restrictions on the entry of baby food and humanitarian aid, more than 3,500 children under the age of five in Gaza are at risk of death. In addition, about 290,000 children are ‘on the verge of death’, the administration of the besieged Gaza has said.
According to government data, more than 70,000 children in Gaza are currently receiving treatment in hospitals due to severe malnutrition.
A statement published on Telegram said, ‘Due to this systematic blockade, more than 3,500 children under the age of five in Gaza are facing starvation and about 290,000 children are on the verge of death. This terrible crime is part of the Israeli occupation – where starvation is being used as a weapon. And the whole world is shamefully silent.
In an interview with the Qatari-based media outlet Al Jazeera, Oxfam’s head of food security in Gaza, Mahmoud Al-Sakka, said, “A lot of our aid is stuck in Egypt and Jordan. We can’t get it to Gaza.”
He fears that the humanitarian crisis could worsen in the coming days.
He said, “We have warned many times. This situation could turn into a humanitarian disaster. The consequences could be serious and irreversible, especially for children, the elderly and women.”
Al-Sakka blamed the whole world for the fate of Gaza’s children. In his words, “Sadly, the whole world is indirectly involved in the starvation deaths of Gaza’s children. “No one is just watching without taking any action—in a way, everyone is responsible.”
In this situation, he appealed to the world: “Now there are two ways—either close your eyes and watch the horrific images of Gaza, or take action.”
Source: Al Jazeera