**Gaza’s Children Suffer Amidst War and Hunger**
In the midst of one of the most devastating conflicts in recent history, children like Siwar Ashour are struggling to survive. The five-month-old baby girl weighs just over 2kg (4lb, 6oz), a fraction of her expected weight for her age.
Siwar’s family, like many others in Gaza, is struggling to access basic necessities such as food and clean water. Her mother, Najwa, explains that doctors have discharged Siwar from the hospital after she stabilized, but the baby’s formula is now running out due to a severe shortage caused by the Israeli blockade of aid.
“This situation is dire,” says Najwa. “We can’t even afford diapers or milk for Siwar because of the price and border closure.”
The family’s struggles are mirrored in the wider Gaza community. Many young mothers are unable to breastfeed due to malnutrition, while children like Siwar are suffering from severe hunger and dehydration.
Despite claims by Cogat, an Israeli military organization, that there is no shortage of food in Gaza, the United Nations and many foreign governments have contradicted this claim. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has described the amount of aid allowed into Gaza as “a spoon”, emphasizing the dire need for humanitarian assistance.
**A War That Has No End**
As the conflict continues to escalate, Gazans are facing a desperate situation. 80% of the territory has been either designated as a militarized zone by Israel or a place that people have been told to leave. The UN estimates that up to 20,000 people have been displaced, with many more trapped in their homes.
For Siwar and her family, the war is an ever-present reality. Najwa explains that the baby has grown accustomed to the sound of artillery, rockets, drones, and gunfire, and often becomes startled by these sounds.
As one Gaza resident puts it, “One does not think of the future or past. The present moment is all that exists.”
**A Call for Action**
In the face of such desperation, international action is needed to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The BBC’s reporting team, along with Malak Hassouneh and Alice Doyard, has highlighted the plight of families like Siwar’s, calling attention to the devastating consequences of this conflict.
As we read about Siwar’s story, it becomes clear that she is just one face among many affected by this war. Her struggles serve as a reminder of the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and international intervention to bring an end to this crisis once and for all.
Read More @ www.bbc.com
