**Desperate Situation in Gaza: Deaths from Malnutrition and Conflict**
The situation in Gaza has taken a devastating turn, with reports emerging of deaths due to malnutrition, amidst the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. In the last week alone, three people have lost their lives in Gaza, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
**First Death: Abdullah Jendeia**
Among those who died was 19-year-old Abdullah Omar Jendeia, who was killed when Israeli soldiers opened fire on a group of people waiting for aid near the Netzarim Corridor. His sister, Nadreen, reports that Abdullah had gone to fetch food for their family, walking over 5km (3 miles) to reach the aid truck. Despite being injured in the incident, Abdullah’s brother, Mahmoud, was unable to save him.
**Second Death: Sela Mahmoud**
Sela Mahmoud, an 8-year-old girl from a camp in al-Shati, northern Gaza, died early Tuesday morning after her mother, Alaa, heard a sound that she feared might be shelling. The family had gone to the Zikim food aid point, but Sela and her older sister were hit by Israeli fire while waiting near the aid truck. Sela was also malnourished and desperate for food, having told her mother just hours before her death that she wanted to eat a bowl of lentils until she was full.
**Third Death: Ahmed Alhasant**
Ahmed Alhasant, 41, died on Tuesday after suffering from malnutrition for three months. His brother, Yehia, claims that Ahmed’s condition worsened due to the Israeli blockade on aid to Gaza in March. Despite being diabetic and relying on scraps of bread and canned food, Ahmed’s weight plummeted to just 35kg (12 stone 8lbs) from his original 80kg.
**Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis**
The deaths of these three individuals highlight the devastating consequences of the conflict in Gaza. Aid agencies have warned that Israel’s siege on Gaza is causing a “mass starvation,” with many people struggling to access basic necessities like food and medicine. The Israeli government has denied this claim, blaming Hamas for creating food shortages and hijacking aid.
**Response from Israel**
The Israeli military has responded to these incidents by stating that it takes “feasible measures to minimize civilian harm.” However, many have criticized the lack of concrete action to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The continued blockade on aid and the targeting of civilians by Israeli forces have created a desperate situation, with many lives at risk.
**International Response**
The international community has been urged to take immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The United Nations and other organizations have called for an end to the conflict and increased access to aid for those affected. As the situation continues to deteriorate, it is essential that the world comes together to provide support and assistance to those struggling in Gaza.
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