Doctors in Gaza Report Severe Malnutrition Among Patients
Ribs Protruding and Limbs Emaciated Due to Hunger Crisis
GAZA CITY: Doctors at hospitals in Gaza have reported a severe malnutrition crisis among patients, with protruding ribs and emaciated limbs being common indicators of the condition.
Medical professionals such as Texas surgeon Mohammed Adeel Khaleel have observed alarming levels of hunger since their arrival in early August.
A 17-year-old patient brought to Al-Ahli Hospital with gunshot wounds was found to be severely malnourished, with his ribs and bony limbs on display due to the lack of muscle and fat.
This case exemplifies the dire situation that many patients are facing in Gaza, where hunger is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue.
UN agencies and aid groups have long warned about the impact of Israel's blockade and ongoing military operations on the territory, with some areas now being declared as experiencing famine by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).
The IPC report indicates that parts of Gaza are in a state of famine and warns that this situation is likely to spread if immediate action is not taken.
In addition, medical nonprofit MedGlobal has reported a 'catastrophic rise in severe malnutrition' among children and pregnant women in Gaza, with one in six children under the age of 5 being affected by acute malnutrition.
Doctors at Shifa Hospital have also expressed concerns about the lack of protein sources, intravenous nutritional supplements, and other essential nutrients available to patients.
The situation is exacerbated by the limited availability and affordability of food due to ongoing restrictions on imports into Gaza.
With an increasing number of deaths attributed to malnutrition-related causes, the need for a swift resolution to this crisis has become more urgent than ever.
Medical professionals such as Texas surgeon Mohammed Adeel Khaleel have observed alarming levels of hunger since their arrival in early August.
A 17-year-old patient brought to Al-Ahli Hospital with gunshot wounds was found to be severely malnourished, with his ribs and bony limbs on display due to the lack of muscle and fat.
This case exemplifies the dire situation that many patients are facing in Gaza, where hunger is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue.
UN agencies and aid groups have long warned about the impact of Israel's blockade and ongoing military operations on the territory, with some areas now being declared as experiencing famine by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).
The IPC report indicates that parts of Gaza are in a state of famine and warns that this situation is likely to spread if immediate action is not taken.
In addition, medical nonprofit MedGlobal has reported a 'catastrophic rise in severe malnutrition' among children and pregnant women in Gaza, with one in six children under the age of 5 being affected by acute malnutrition.
Doctors at Shifa Hospital have also expressed concerns about the lack of protein sources, intravenous nutritional supplements, and other essential nutrients available to patients.
The situation is exacerbated by the limited availability and affordability of food due to ongoing restrictions on imports into Gaza.
With an increasing number of deaths attributed to malnutrition-related causes, the need for a swift resolution to this crisis has become more urgent than ever.
