By Hend Salama Abo Helow
This article was originally published by Truthout
A sudden surge of nutrients after a period of famine can lead to serious health problems, including spikes in blood sugar and dangerous electrolyte imbalances.
In Gaza, the tragedy of death isn’t limited to violence or disease; it can also stem from the simple act of eating. After enduring severe malnutrition, any sudden access to food can be deadly. Tens of thousands have already succumbed to the effects of starvation, and even food can become a risk.
Since the ceasefire in October, the limited aid that trickled in was not enough. With people rushing to consume what they could, many are experiencing “refeeding syndrome.” This condition arises when nutrition is abruptly restored after starvation and can be fatal if not managed correctly.
In 2025, Israel tightened its blockade on Gaza, a move that drastically reduced the flow of vital food and medical supplies. The effects of this siege were devastating; hunger became widespread, leading to severe malnutrition among thousands.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a key authority on famine, projected that by September 2025, much of Gaza’s population could reach critical levels of malnutrition. They urged immediate intervention, but response measures have remained inadequate. Reports indicate an average of only 200 aid trucks entered daily, far from the 600 needed to support a population that has suffered from systematic starvation.
Instead, the available food often consists of processed snacks and sugary drinks—items not suitable for recovery—but rather a means to profit given the economic conditions. This food scarcity has left many unable to distinguish between healthy options and those that could worsen their already fragile state.
Health professionals in Gaza are raising alarms about the dangerous shift in nutrition. Shaimaa Bashir, a clinical nutritionist, highlighted that children over five are particularly at risk for refeeding syndrome, something often overlooked in emergency nutrition plans focused mainly on younger children. The lack of balanced diets has resulted in alarming rates of complications like cardiac issues and respiratory distress.
Equally concerning is the surge in diabetes cases among young patients. Nursing staff at Al-Shifa Medical Complex report that many hospital admissions involve severe digestive issues linked to unregulated food consumption, as people in desperate situations buy large amounts of food without considering expiration dates or nutritional value.
Years of malnutrition not only harm immediate health but also shift dietary habits. People who were once deprived of basic nutrients now face a paradox; they are consuming low-quality foods that damage their health further. Experts warn this new diet could lead to lasting effects on the community’s collective health, establishing patterns of disease and dysfunction.
The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition has set guidelines to help manage these risks, but Gaza struggles to apply them amid numerous healthcare challenges. The lack of resources compounds existing health issues, leading to a critical crisis where even basic nutritional support is unavailable.
As a medical student who survived the conflict, I can attest to the devastating impact that prolonged deprivation has on our bodies. The sudden reintroduction of foods I used to enjoy, like chocolate and dairy, has resulted in allergic reactions due to the dramatic changes in my body’s environment after years of malnutrition.
For younger generations, like my three-year-old nephew, the reality is even grimmer. He has grown up in an environment where nutritious food is a rarity, leading to a warped understanding of what is safe or normal. This warped perception may create lifelong implications for mental and physical health.
The tactics of starvation employed by Israeli forces are not new; they date back decades. Policies such as limiting calorie intake and controlling food supplies have consistently aimed to undermine Palestinian health and autonomy. The pain inflicted today is another chapter in a long history of colonial oppression.
Despite the current challenges, attention must be drawn to the underlying issues of systemic inequity and the urgent need for comprehensive health and nutrition strategies in Gaza. Increasing awareness and support are critical now more than ever.
This article was originally published by Truthout and is licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0). Please maintain all links and credits in accordance with our republishing guidelines.
