According to a recent report by Human Rights Watch (HRW), children in Gaza are suffering from severe malnutrition and dehydration, with some even dying from starvation-related complications. The report highlights the use of starvation as a weapon of war by Israel, which has been strongly condemned as a war crime.
Despite Israel denying the accusations, there is widespread evidence of malnutrition in Gaza. Doctors and families in the region have reported cases of children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers experiencing extreme malnutrition, with hospitals struggling to provide adequate treatment.
Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, who heads the pediatrics unit at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, revealed that 26 children have died from starvation-related complications in his hospital alone. The victims include infants as young as 5 months old and children up to 8 years old.
The distribution of aid in Gaza faces numerous challenges, including Israeli bombardment and security concerns. While Israel claims that aid entering Gaza is not restricted, reports suggest that there are delays in distribution. Israeli officials have blamed the UN for these delays and accused Hamas of diverting aid.
Israel's Defense Ministry, through the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), has denied intentionally starving Gaza's civilian population. HRW reached out to COGAT for comment on the report's findings but did not receive a response.
