Palestinian Children Beg for Food as Israeli Blockade Takes Toll on Gaza's Hospitals

Khan Younis, Gaza Strip - A mother in Khan Younis has spoken out about the dire hunger crisis facing Palestinian families in the Gaza Strip, where Israel's three-month-long blockade has left hospitals unable to provide food to recovering patients.

The scarcity of food has taken a devastating toll on children and adults alike. Dr. Khaled Alserr, a general surgeon at Nasser Hospital, revealed that most wounded patients have lost weight, particularly over the past two months, due to lack of proper nutrition.

"We are struggling to make ends meet for our patients," Alserr said. "Choices are limited due to the blockade, which means we can't provide what is best for our patients."

Asmaa Fayez, a mother whose 4-year-old son was admitted to hospital with a blocked intestine, said his diet consists mainly of canned goods and tunafish she purchases on her own. She splurged on just $10 worth of fresh vegetables, which are now an affordable luxury for his daily meals.

However, aid groups say malnutrition is on the rise across Gaza. The UN says thousands of children have been found with acute malnutrition in the past month alone. Pregnant women and new mothers also face the risk of acute malnutrition this year, according to the organization.

The situation worsened when food distribution was halted by aid groups due to a lack of supplies. Bakeries were forced to close their doors, leaving charity kitchens as the last lifeline for most of the population. But charity kitchens are now shutting down due to the same lack of funds.

Local vegetable farms have been severely damaged, with Israeli forces damaging 80% of Gaza's farmlands and further restricting access to the rest. As a result, prices for groceries have skyrocketed.

In Khan Younis, markets remain largely empty except for canned goods and small amounts of vegetables. Locals are struggling to access basic necessities due to the devastating effects of Israel's blockade on food supplies.

"We need help now," said Nihad Fatah, a local resident whose 8-year-old daughter was found to be suffering from severe malnutrition. "But all we see is barriers and restrictions around us. We need aid immediately."