The deaths of 100 children reported by starvation in Gaza since October 2023 are a catastrophic milestone that embarrassed the world and called for urgent action that has long been postponed.
“What world have we built to starve at least 100 children to save food, water and medical supplies to be a few miles across the border? Children in Gaza are starving by design by Israeli authorities. This was a completely predictable and avoidable tragedy. In the case of the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe, he said.
“We know that the Ministry of Health can only provide data from the rest of the health facilities in Gaza, and that these numbers are just the tip of the iceberg.
“We also know that for children, conditions like malnutrition can lead to lifelong health issues, such as stunting, weakening the immune system, and organ failure. The effects of malnutrition can span generations, making learning and development more difficult for children to learn and develop, and creating a cycle of poverty across the population. Life-saving foods, clean water, medical supplies, staff.”
“Though these unbearable figures are rising more than ever before, we should not lose sight of the fact that these are young lives, not just numbers, and are full of potential. Elsewhere, these children may have grown healthy, had families caring for their families, education and opportunities for the future. Preventable.”
“All available evidence shows that the Israeli government uses hunger as a way of war – war crimes under international law. Israeli authorities are required to provide and protect civilians with assistance, and the international community is obligated to ensure that and enforce international law.