Gaza Faces Dire Humanitarian Crisis as Malnutrition, Eye Injuries Surge Amid Blockade
Since the start of the aid blockade on March 2, Gaza has plunged into one of the world’s worst hunger crises, with at least 57 children dying from malnutrition effects, Anadolu Agency reported citing the World Health Organization (WHO).
The entire population of 2.1 million faces a critical risk of famine, with nearly 1.95 million people in crisis or worse food insecurity phases. Malnutrition is weakening immune systems, exacerbating diseases such as pneumonia and gastroenteritis, especially among children, while vaccine coverage has sharply declined. The WHO warns that nearly 71,000 children under five and 17,000 pregnant or breastfeeding women are at acute risk if the blockade continues.
Simultaneously, Gaza’s healthcare system is collapsing under the strain of war injuries and lack of supplies. At least 1,500 Palestinians have lost their vision since the military offensive began in October 2023, with 4,000 more at imminent risk of blindness. Gaza’s only specialized eye hospital is on the verge of shutting down due to severe shortages of medical equipment and surgical supplies critical for treating blast-related eye trauma. Reusable instruments are dangerously over-sterilized, and essential items like hyaluronic acid and surgical sutures are nearly depleted.
The complete closure of Gaza’s borders has halted humanitarian aid, medical equipment, and essential goods from entering, leaving hospitals overwhelmed and unable to provide urgent care. The WHO and local officials call for an immediate end to the blockade and urgent international intervention to prevent further deterioration of health and nutrition conditions across Gaza.
