Reports indicate that hundreds of infants in Gaza are at risk of death due to a severe shortage of infant formula, exacerbated by Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid. Dr Ahmad al-Farra, at Nasser hospital, barely has a week’s supply left and has run out of specialized formula for premature infants. Families like Hanaa al-Taweel's are struggling, as mothers are unable to breastfeed due to malnutrition. Many infants remain outside hospitals with no access to milk, and widespread malnutrition contributes to significant health issues such as stunting.
Dr Ahmad al-Farra, the head of pediatrics at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, stated, 'I can't begin to describe how bad things are. Right now, we have enough formula for about one week.' He emphasized the critical shortages of not just infant formula but specialized formula for premature babies. He noted that many infants are without any access to milk, marking the situation as catastrophic.
Hanaa al-Taweel, a mother of five at al-Nuseirat refugee camp, expressed her plight, stating, 'The problem of getting milk started since my son's birth, as due to my malnutrition and general weakness I wasn't able to breastfeed my baby.' She highlighted her struggles, emphasizing that her son suffers from stunting due to malnutrition.
Al-Taweel showed despair for her children, saying, 'I feel sadness and fear for my children, I fear they will die from hunger, thirst and disease.' This illustrates the deep concerns and emotional toll of the humanitarian crisis facing families in Gaza.
The dire situation in Gaza has led Dr Ahmad al-Farra to ration the remaining infant formula. Stocks have dwindled due to Israel's restrictions on humanitarian aid, with essential items like infant formula blocked from entry into the territory.
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