**Hunger and Desperation Grip Gaza as Blockade Continues**
In the midst of escalating violence, the people of Gaza are facing a growing humanitarian crisis. A complete blockade by Israel has left thousands without access to food, water, and medical supplies for over 10 weeks.
In the northern part of the territory, six-year-old Ismail Abu Odeh was among those struggling to get a decent meal. He fought his way to the front of a food distribution point but had his bowl knocked out of his hands, leaving him crying in frustration. His family, like many others, has been relying on scraps and handouts just to survive.
The situation is dire, with warnings from the United Nations and other organizations that Gaza is on the brink of famine. Despite this, Israel claims there’s “no shortage” of food and blames Hamas for looting and selling aid.
**A Day Without Food**
For many in Gaza, a day without food is a harsh reality. People have been forced to get creative just to survive, with some even resorting to eating imitation bread made from over-cooked pasta and flour. The situation has become so desperate that children are being sent to bed hungry every night.
A 23-year-old woman living in north Gaza described the constant feeling of dizziness and weakness due to lack of food and medicine. Adham al-Batrawi, a displaced resident, said hunger was one of the most difficult parts of daily life, with people having to rely on handouts just to get by.
**Medical Supplies Running Low**
The blockade has also had a devastating impact on medical supplies in Gaza. Hospitals are running low on basic necessities like painkillers and gauze, forcing them to shut down some services. Staff at the Nasser Hospital told the BBC that they’re struggling to cope with the shortage of medical aid.
Nurse Rewaa Mohsen spoke about her struggle to provide for her two young daughters, who have grown accustomed to the sounds of bombing in their apartment. She stockpiled nappies during a previous ceasefire but knows these will soon run out. The family’s situation is precarious, with evacuation orders issued for their area before an Israeli strike hit a nearby building.
**A Desperate Situation**
The people of Gaza are facing a desperate situation, with hunger and desperation gripping the territory. The blockade has pushed the enclave to the brink of famine, with thousands struggling to access basic necessities like food, water, and medical supplies.
As the international community watches on, it’s clear that something needs to be done to alleviate the suffering in Gaza. The United States is planning a new system for providing humanitarian aid through private companies, but this has been met with criticism from the UN, which says it appears to “weaponise” aid.
**Read More**
For more information on the crisis in Gaza and how you can help, visit [www.bbc.com](http://www.bbc.com).
Read More @ www.bbc.com
