1,000 Adults Hospitalized in Gaza Due to Starvation in Last 3 Weeks
The director of Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital, Muhammad Abu Salmiya, has reported that approximately 1,000 adults have been hospitalized in the last three weeks due to severe malnutrition, a direct result of Israel’s intensified blockade and attacks on the region.
Kokcha News Agency: Muhammad Abu Salmiya, the director of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, has revealed that around 1,000 adults have been admitted to hospitals in the last three weeks suffering from malnutrition. Abu Salmiya emphasized that this crisis is directly linked to Israel’s ongoing policy of starvation and its relentless attacks on the Gaza Strip.
Abu Salmiya described the deteriorating situation in Gaza, stating, “The majority of patients and injured people arriving at the hospital are suffering from severe malnutrition.” He also highlighted that hospitals are overwhelmed with patients and injured individuals, while Israel’s intense bombardment has further exacerbated the already dire conditions.
In recent days, attacks on central Gaza have resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, with Israel declaring the city a “dangerous war zone.” On August 8, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to gradually reoccupy the Gaza Strip, starting with Gaza City.
Abu Salmiya also drew attention to the severe humanitarian and health conditions in Gaza, noting that there has been a massive displacement of people from the northern and southern regions to the western areas, which are now overcrowded with forcibly displaced individuals.
He warned that the weakened immune systems of the displaced population have made them more susceptible to infectious diseases. A recent virus outbreak has caused symptoms such as fever, headaches, and diarrhea, with the incubation period exceeding two weeks in immunocompromised individuals.
“Malnutrition weakens the immune system, prolonging the duration of illnesses. Additionally, the lack of hygiene supplies like soap, shampoo, and clean water is accelerating the spread of disease,” Abu Salmiya explained.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that 10 people have died in the last 24 hours due to malnutrition and starvation, bringing the total number of starvation-related deaths to 332, including 124 children.
These figures underscore the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by Israel’s blockade and attacks, as well as the severe dangers posed by widespread malnutrition.
