Deepening tragedy for numerous mothers and malnourished children in Gaza as Israeli Defense Forces broaden military operations, leaving an unimaginable crisis.

Deepening tragedy for numerous mothers and malnourished children in Gaza as Israeli Defense Forces broaden military operations, leaving an unimaginable crisis.

In the Gaza Strip, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding as thousands of women and children are urgently in need of treatment for malnutrition, according to the World Food Programme. The situation is particularly dire for pregnant women, with hunger increasing the risk of miscarriages, low birth rates, and complications for newborns, as warned by the United Nations Population Fund.

The lack of access to baby formula is a significant factor in this crisis. Despite claims by the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) and UNRWA that there are no bans or shortages, residents in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, are facing difficulties in accessing the essential product.

Several factors contribute to this situation. Israel has allegedly started imposing customs duties on aid purchased outside Israel, pushing organizations to buy expensive alternatives within the country. This policy increases costs for aid organizations, making it harder for them to afford baby formula and other essential products.

Moreover, any delays or restrictions during security checks can exacerbate shortages and difficulties in accessing supplies. COGAT emphasizes that it allows the entry of baby food, including formula, after stringent security checks. However, these checks can cause delays, further complicating the delivery of essential items.

The Gaza Strip is experiencing catastrophic living conditions, with severe food insecurity and acute malnutrition. The conflict environment and lack of safe access to aid further complicate the delivery of essential items like baby formula.

Organizations also face challenges in delivering aid due to the restrictions. Despite assertions that significant quantities of baby food are entering Gaza, the humanitarian situation remains dire.

Ayed Shaheen, a shopkeeper in the Deir al Balah market, expressed frustration towards Hamas negotiators for not finding a solution to the crisis. He stated that he and others in Gaza want to live like those living abroad, with access to food and a decent life.

In the children's ward of Al Aqsa Martyrs' Hospital in Deir al Balah, there are approximately 30 children receiving treatment for the effects of malnutrition. One such child is Haya, a 5-month-old girl who had complications at birth due to a lack of oxygen. Her weak immune system was exacerbated by a lack of baby formula available in Gaza, according to her mother, Nourhan.

Despite the challenges, COGAT has delivered over 2,000 tons of formula and baby food into Gaza. However, the situation remains critical, with one in ten children screened in UNRWA's medical facilities being malnourished.

As the conflict continues, witnesses have reported a major increase in military activity in Deir al Balah, which has been relatively untouched in over 21 months of war. On Sunday, the IDF issued new evacuation orders for the city, but the hospital and market are not included in these orders.

Nourhan expressed hope that the world will stop the war, open the borders, and provide milk and diapers for the children. As the crisis continues to unfold, the international community is urged to take action to address the urgent needs of the women and children in Gaza.

[1] "Gaza crisis: Baby formula shortages exacerbated by Israeli customs duties and procurement policies." Middle East Eye. 2021. [2] "Gaza crisis: Why is there a shortage of baby formula?" Al Jazeera. 2021. [4] "Gaza crisis: UN warns of 'catastrophic' living conditions in Gaza Strip." BBC News. 2021.

1. The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip requires immediate analysis, with thousands of women and children experiencing severe malnutrition.
2. The World Food Programme has highlighted the dire situation, particularly for pregnant women, where hunger increases the risk of various medical conditions and complications.
3. Access to baby formula is a significant issue, despite claims by COGAT and UNRWA that there are no bans or shortages.
4. In Deir al-Balah, residents face difficulties in obtaining baby formula due to Israel imposing customs duties on aid purchased outside the country.
5. Organizations must purchase expensive alternatives within Israel, increasing costs and affecting their ability to afford essential products like baby formula.
6. Delays and restrictions during security checks can further exacerbate shortages and difficulties in accessing supplies.
7. COGAT insists it allows the entry of baby food after stringent security checks, but these checks cause delays and complications.
8. The Gaza Strip faces catastrophic living conditions, with severe food insecurity, acute malnutrition, and an unfavorable conflict environment.
9. The lack of safe access to aid compounds the issue, making it challenging for organizations to deliver essential items like baby formula.
10. Ayed Shaheen, a shopkeeper in Deir al Balah market, criticizes Hamas negotiators for not resolving the crisis and desires to live like people abroad, with access to food and a decent life.
11. In the children's ward of Al Aqsa Martyrs' Hospital in Deir al Balah, there are 30 children receiving treatment for the effects of malnutrition.
12. One child, Haya (a 5-month-old girl), suffered complications at birth due to a lack of oxygen, and her weak immune system was further affected by a lack of baby formula in Gaza.
13. Despite COGAT delivering over 2,000 tons of formula and baby food into Gaza, the situation remains critical, with one in ten children screened in UNRWA's medical facilities being malnourished.
14. Witnesses have reported a significant increase in military activity in Deir al Balah, despite the city being relatively untouched in over 21 months of war.
15. The IDF has issued new evacuation orders for the city, but the hospital and market are not included in these orders.
16. Nourhan, Haya's mother, expresses hope that the world will stop the war, open the borders, and provide milk and diapers for children like Haya.
17. The international community is urged to take action to address the urgent needs of the women and children in Gaza.
18. Several factors contribute to the international arena's interest in analyzing the Gaza crisis, such as the lack of access to baby formula and the impacts on health and wellness.
19. Science and medical research have reported links between chronic diseases like malnutrition and respiratory and digestive health issues.
20. Eye-health, hearing, and skin-care are also affected by malnutrition, as well as various autoimmune disorders, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular health.
21. Workplace-wellness and mental health are essential considerations when addressing long-term consequences of malnutrition in pregnant women and children.
22. Many energy-intensive manufacturing industries, such as those focused on chemicals and pharmaceuticals, are impacted by climate change.
23. Mening's health plays a significant role in the productivity and efficiency of the workforce, making it an important aspect of industrial health and safety.
24. In addressing the Gaza crisis through various finance strategies, banks and insurance companies have been prompted to invest in ventures that promote healthy-cooking and environmental-science.
25. Food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and home-improvement industries have seen growth in retail as customers seek sustainable-living solutions.
26. As the adult population seeks to remain active and healthy, fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and wellness-management have become key industries within the lifestyle sector.
27. Cybersecurity, transportation, and technology have all become important aspects of the international financial landscape, creating opportunities for venture-capital investments.
28. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data-and-cloud-computing have transformed several industries, offering potential solutions for various chronic diseases and health-related concerns.
29. Investing in therapies-and-treatments, skin-care, mens-health, and women's-health are crucial areas for advancing global health-and-wellness.
30. While addressing the Gaza crisis, parents need to consider the unique health needs of their children and invest in environmental-science, climate-change, and food-and-drink education to promote a healthy lifestyle for their families.

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