Meet Mohammad Al-Motawaq: A Starving 18-Month-Old Boy in Gaza Who Needs Our Help

In Gaza, a mother holds her baby boy, Mohammad, in a small tent by the sea. He’s only a year and a half old. But he is frail, weighing just under 10 pounds. His mother, Hidaya Al-Motawaq, whispers “khalas,” which means “enough,” trying to soothe him as he cries. She has run out of breast milk, unable to provide food due to her own malnourishment.

Hidaya is a widow, and she has searched for food and milk at various hospitals. Sadly, all that remains is a single pediatric ward for malnutrition, which recently shut down due to a lack of food and medical supplies. She cradles Mohammad, stroking his thinning hair, knowing he needs nourishment but only has water to offer.

Gaza faces a grim reality. Nearly half the population, about 1 million children, are threatened by chronic malnutrition. Dr. Ahmed Al-Farrah, head of pediatrics at Nasser Hospital, warns that this war is harming a generation of children, especially those under three years old, when their brains are developing quickly.

The United Nations has raised alarms about possible mass starvation in Gaza. Despite international pressure, Israel has restricted humanitarian aid, making it difficult for essential supplies to reach those in need. But Israel recently announced daily pauses for aid deliveries in some areas, allowing food to get through—if only for a short time.

Yet this situation is dire. More than 130 people have died from malnutrition-related causes since the conflict escalated in October 2023. U.N. experts have reported that one in five people in Gaza may face starvation, with severe malnutrition affecting 100,000 women and children. Even if these children survive, they risk long-term health issues.

Dr. Mohammed Mansour from the International Rescue Committee points out that growing malnutrition rates lead to conditions like stunting and developmental disorders. “One in three people are going days without food,” he adds. The lack of proper nutrition damages children’s physical and mental health.

In Gaza, families are struggling not just to get food but also to stay safe while searching for it. Many are caught in dangerous situations, risking their lives to access basic provisions. Meanwhile, the government’s restrictions make it hard for aid organizations to help effectively.

As the conflict continues, despair grows. Families like Hidaya’s are trapped in a cycle of hunger and hopelessness. Many parents are left wondering how to protect their children from starvation. The situation is pressing, and every day matters for families trying to survive. Recent conversations among families show an overwhelming focus on finding food and water rather than worrying about the news.

This is not just a humanitarian crisis; it is a tragic chapter for a generation. If help doesn’t arrive soon, the impacts will echo for years to come, leaving lasting scars on the children of Gaza. The need for action is urgent—each day that passes takes not only a meal but a future from these vulnerable children.

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