A Gazan woman named Marah Abu Zuhri tragically died in a hospital in Italy just two days after arriving for treatment. The 20-year-old, who was in poor health, flew from Gaza with her mother under an evacuation program set up by the Italian government. Reports indicate she suffered from severe malnutrition and cardiac arrest.
This incident sheds light on the alarming humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the UN has warned of widespread malnutrition. Experts from various organizations are sounding the alarm, claiming the region is facing a “worst-case scenario” of famine. In contrast, Israeli officials argue that there is no starvation unfolding in Gaza and accuse UN agencies of failing to distribute aid effectively.
Since the conflict escalated, over 180 people from Gaza, mostly children and their guardians, have been taken to Italy for medical care. This week alone, 31 patients arrived in major cities like Rome, Milan, and Pisa, many suffering from severe health conditions.
Meanwhile, in the UK, there is a growing call for the government to facilitate the evacuation of sick children from Gaza. MPs are urging action after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s promise to create an evacuation scheme. The Home Office is looking to manage the process swiftly, with plans to bring several hundred children to the UK—though thorough biometric checks will be required.
The situation in Gaza remains urgent. Recently, the Israeli government announced plans to provide tents and supplies for displaced residents and has begun moving people to designated safe zones amid ongoing military operations. Reports describe conditions in areas like Zeitoun as “catastrophic,” with continuous airstrikes leading to mass displacements.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, the conflict has led to over 60,000 fatalities since it began. In addition to deaths from bombings, malnutrition-related deaths have reportedly surpassed 250. The Israeli military maintains that it is focused on mitigating civilian harm, while some officials dispute the accuracy of casualty figures reported by local health authorities.
The world watches as the situation evolves, highlighting the dire need for urgent humanitarian aid. Recent studies emphasize that access to food, healthcare, and safety are critical for the civilians caught in this conflict. For detailed statistics and insights on the humanitarian crisis, you can visit the UN’s official site.