WHO issues a grave warning about the alarming levels of malnutrition in Gaza as aid airdrops recommence

The World Health Organization has raised alarms over malnutrition rates in Gaza, describing them as "alarming" and indicating a "dangerous trajectory," as aid airdrops have resumed in the region.

Jordan began dropping aid over the Gaza on Sunday
Courtesy : EPA

On Sunday, Jordan, in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates, successfully dropped 25 tonnes of aid into Gaza following Israel's announcement of a "tactical pause" in military operations. Israel stated it would cease hostilities for 10 hours daily in certain areas of Gaza, facilitating aid corridors for UN convoys to counter accusations of intentionally causing starvation. In response, Hamas accused Israel of attempting to "whitewash its image." UN aid chief Tom Fletcher acknowledged on Sunday that Israel seemed to have relaxed some movement restrictions. In a statement to Reuters, he noted that preliminary reports indicated over 100 truckloads of aid were ready to be sent into Gaza.

He stated, "This is progress, but vast amounts of aid are needed to stave off famine and a catastrophic health crisis." On Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that they airdropped seven aid packages containing flour, sugar, and canned goods. However, medics reported that nine individuals were killed and 54 were injured due to Israeli fire near an aid convoy route in central Gaza. An airstrike also struck a residential building just an hour after the pause began on Saturday. Local sources told that nine people were shot in the Netzarim Corridor along Salah al-Din Street, where many civilians had gathered in anticipation of UN aid. The IDF claimed that its troops fired warning shots at a "gathering of suspects" approaching them, stating they were unaware of any casualties. In another incident, BBC Verify geolocated an airstrike on Midhat Al-Wahidy Street in the Al-Rimal district of western Gaza City—an area Israel had officially designated an hour earlier for a halt in operations. This verification was based on witness accounts and two geolocated videos released on Sunday. The IDF reported it was not aware of a strike at the specified coordinates.

The World Food Programme has reported that one in three of Gaza's two million residents goes without food for several days, with one in four experiencing severe hunger akin to famine conditions. Recent reports from the Hamas-run health ministry indicate that over 100 individuals have died from malnutrition. Additionally, the ministry claims that hundreds have lost their lives to gunfire while trying to access food from distribution points operated by the Israeli and US-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), although Israel states it does not target civilians. In response, US President Donald Trump announced plans to increase aid to Gaza, while emphasizing that this issue is an international concern, not solely a US responsibility. Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted that while air drops may provide immediate relief, establishing land routes is essential for a sustainable solution to delivering aid into Gaza.

Gaza's residents are cautiously optimistic about news of a temporary humanitarian pause.  "I feel a glimmer of hope, but I'm also anxious that once the pause ends, starvation will continue," shared Rasha Al-Sheikh Khalil, a mother of four from Gaza City, in a conversation with Media. Neveen Saleh, a mother of six, lamented that her family hasn't had "a single fresh fruit or vegetable in four months." She added, "We have no chicken, no meat, no eggs. Our supplies consist only of canned foods, often past their expiration date, and flour." Imad Kudaya, a journalist from southern Gaza, noted that most of the food drop packages landed in demilitarized zones—areas cleared and controlled by Israel—making it perilous for anyone to venture there.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the nation would "persevere in its efforts," asserting, "We will act until we achieve all of our war objectives—complete victory." Khalil al-Hayya, the exiled leader of Hamas in Gaza, remarked on Sunday that negotiations for a ceasefire are "without purpose amid the ongoing blockade and starvation." On the same day, the UN's World Food Programme expressed its support for Israel's recent actions but emphasized the need for a "surge" in aid to quickly assist those in need. Unicef echoed this sentiment, calling for additional humanitarian corridors. Netanyahu contended that the UN had placed undue blame on his government for the situation, asserting, "There are secure routes. They have always existed, but now it's official." Under the new arrangements, Israel announced it would pause combat in three densely populated areas of Gaza for 10 hours each day and open secure routes for aid delivery.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) indicated that these corridors would facilitate aid convoys from the UN and other organizations to deliver essential food and medicine to Gaza. The conflict escalated in response to a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 hostages. Since then, the Hamas-run ministry reports that over 59,000 individuals have lost their lives in Gaza.