Gaza: 60,000 children at risk of health crisis amid malnutrition
The Ministry of Health in Gaza has said that at least 60,000 children face serious health risks due to malnutrition, the Middle East Eye reported on April 9th.
The ministry said that shortages of food and clean water have worsened the ongoing health crisis in the territory. With the Israeli blockade stopping the entry of food and medical supplies, doctors have raised concerns about increasing cases of hunger and dehydration, especially in infants.
Aid agencies have called for urgent humanitarian access, but deliveries remain limited. According to Save the Children, as reported by Middle East Eye via Al Jazeera on April 7th, 15,000 children have died in the conflict in Gaza. The organisation said that ongoing attacks on civilians and health workers have left no safe place for children in Gaza, alongside civilians and health workers.
In addition to food shortages, The National reported on February 25th, as cited by levantis, that a number of babies have died due to extreme cold.
The Middle East Eye reported on April 3rd that unexploded bombs in Gaza continue to pose a threat to children. According to the demining expert, Nicholas Orr, unexploded bombs pose a particular risk to children because he implies they would be more inclined to handle them out of curiosity. The UN Mine Action Service has said that between 5% and 10% of weapons fired into Gaza have not exploded.
Middle East Eye, Al Jazeera, The National
