Raghad Ezzat Hamouda, a 19-year-old Palestinian residing in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, is facing a heartbreaking situation as she struggles to provide for her seven younger brothers during the holy month of Ramadan. The family, along with at least nine relatives, is experiencing extreme hunger due to Israel's siege on the enclave.
Hamouda describes the daily cries of her siblings from starvation, with the youngest being just four years old. She mentions that the lack of access to food has been a long-standing issue, exacerbated by the current crisis. The family's meager meals consist of a paste made with thyme, oil, and hibiscus to break their fast, and sometimes tomato sauce with salt and pepper for suhoor.
Tragically, the dire situation has already claimed the lives of at least 28 children in Gaza due to malnutrition and dehydration, as reported by the Ministry of Health in Gaza. However, the actual number of casualties is suspected to be higher, given the challenges faced by aid agencies in reaching the affected areas, particularly in northern Gaza.
The mental and physical toll of the ongoing famine is evident, with Hamouda expressing concerns about the family's survival and the constant fear of starvation. She has personally experienced a significant weight loss of about 44 pounds (20 kg) since the start of the crisis, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The plight of children like Hamouda's siblings underscores the urgent need for immediate humanitarian assistance in Gaza to prevent further loss of innocent lives. As the international community grapples with the complexities of the conflict, the focus must remain on alleviating the suffering of vulnerable populations, particularly children, who are bearing the brunt of the crisis.
