How Israel’s Blockade Impacts Gaza’s Hospitals: Patients Suffering Without Essential Food Supplies

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Asmaa Fayez spent more than she could afford to buy some zucchinis in a local market. She cooked them with rice and brought a bowl to her 4-year-old son in the hospital. It was his only meal for the day, and when he finished, he asked for more.

“It’s all gone, sweetie,” she said gently. But it was a small improvement from the canned beans and tuna she usually brings him.

In Gaza, families are struggling to feed their loved ones, especially those in hospitals. Israel’s blockade on food and supplies has now lasted over three months. Hospitals can’t provide food, forcing families to search for what little they can find.

Dr. Khaled Alserr, a general surgeon at Nasser Hospital, noted that most patients have lost weight. “We have very limited choices for our patients,” he said.

Hunger and Malnutrition

Malnutrition is becoming a major problem in Gaza, with aid groups reporting a rise in cases. Thousands of children are suffering from acute malnutrition, and the UN estimates that 16,000 pregnant women and new mothers are affected this year.

Since the blockade began on March 2, food supplies have dwindled. Many aid agencies have halted food distribution, and bakeries are closing. Charity kitchens that used to serve meals are running out of supplies. As a result, local markets are mostly stocked with canned goods and a few vegetables, and prices have surged. For instance, zucchini now costs about $10 per kilogram, up from less than a dollar before the conflict began.

Fayez’s son, Ali al-Dbary, was admitted to the hospital due to a blocked intestine. His mother believes his condition worsened because he’s been relying mostly on canned foods. Unfortunately, the hospital lacks a functioning scanner to check if he needs surgery.

Israel initiated the blockade and resumed military actions in March to press Hamas for the release of hostages and disarmament. Hamas’s recent attack on October 7, 2023, which claimed around 1,200 lives, sparked the current conflict. In response, Israeli offensive actions have reportedly killed over 52,000 Palestinians, with many being women and children.

Aid Distribution Concerns

Israeli officials claim that adequate food entered Gaza during a two-month ceasefire earlier this year. However, rights groups argue that the blockade is a “starvation tactic” and could even be considered a war crime.

Recently, Israel proposed to control aid distribution in Gaza through private contractors. The UN and various aid organizations oppose this plan, warning that it might restrict access to those in need and potentially force many Palestinians to relocate — a clear violation of international law.

Living in hospitals, patients and their families are already facing dire challenges. For instance, 19-year-old Asmaa Faraj, recovering from shrapnel injuries, had only a few dates and some pickles for sustenance when visited.

“Things used to be different,” her sister noted. “People used to bring fruits to hospital patients, but now it’s just water.”

Mohammed al-Bursh faced similar struggles. He brought his son, Sobhi, cans of tuna and beans. Sobhi was severely injured in an airstrike three months ago and was lying in his hospital bed, feeling helpless. He expressed concern about his recovery. “I need better food to heal,” he said, reflecting on how difficult it is to find basic nutrients these days.

As this humanitarian crisis unfolds, the situation in Gaza illustrates the dire need for change. With increasing food scarcity, the daily lives of families and patients continue to hang in the balance.

For ongoing updates on the crisis, you can follow AP’s coverage here.

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Gaza Strip, Israel, 2024-2025 Mideast Wars, Blockades, Humanitarian crises, General news, Food and beverage manufacturing, World news, War and unrest, Foreign aid, Israel government, Ali al-Dbary, Mohammed al-Bursh, United Nations, Philanthropy, Hamas, Health, Palestinian territories government, Religion