Global tensions escalate over distressing photos of malnourished kids in Gaza strip
In the heart of the Gaza Strip, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding, with children like Mohammed Zakaria al-Mutawak bearing the brunt of the suffering. The 18-month-old boy, emaciated and suffering from cerebral palsy, has become a symbol of the crisis, his image published by renowned international media outlets such as the New York Times [1].
The image, which depicts a woman holding Mohammed, underscores the severity of the situation in Gaza. The crisis is causing widespread malnutrition among children, with reports indicating that 81 of the 113 hunger-related deaths since October 2023 have been children [1].
Children with disabilities, including those with cerebral palsy, face unique nutritional risks. Many require specific diets and feeding devices that are unavailable due to blockade-related restrictions on imports and electricity shortages, critical for food preparation and medical care [2].
The healthcare capacity in Gaza is overwhelmed. There are only four stabilization centers for malnutrition, with limited admission capacity due to overcrowding, making treatment difficult for severely malnourished children like Mohammed [1].
Displaced children with cerebral palsy are particularly vulnerable. Documented cases reveal that these children are suffering from malnutrition in shelters [3]. The systemic collapse, marked by food scarcity, lack of clean water, sanitation, and a devastated health infrastructure, contributes to increased infections and weakened immunity, compounding malnutrition's effects [4].
Mohammed's three-year-old brother appears less malnourished compared to him, highlighting the disparities in access to food and healthcare services. The spine of Mohammed is prominently visible on his back, a stark reminder of the severe malnutrition he is experiencing [5].
Israel has exercised legitimate criticism and accused media of misinformation regarding the images and reports coming out of Gaza. However, the facts remain clear: children with cerebral palsy in Gaza are experiencing an acute humanitarian emergency marked by severe malnutrition, lack of access to their essential dietary and medical needs, and overwhelmed healthcare services amid a broader hunger and health crisis intensified by ongoing conflict and blockade [1][2][3][4].
References:
[1] The New York Times. (n.d.). Image of Emaciated Child in Gaza Sparks Outcry. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/01/world/middleeast/gaza-emaciated-child.html
[2] Al Jazeera. (2023, November 2). Gaza's disabled children suffer as health services collapse. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/2/gaza-s-disabled-children-suffer-as-health-services-collapse
[3] Middle East Monitor. (2023, November 3). Displaced children with disabilities suffer from malnutrition in Gaza. Retrieved from https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20231103-displaced-children-with-disabilities-suffer-from-malnutrition-in-gaza/
[4] United Nations Children's Fund. (2023). Gaza: The Humanitarian Situation for Children with Disabilities. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/mena/en/regions/opt-gaza/gaza-humanitarian-situation-children-disabilities
[5] Associated Press. (2023, November 4). Image of Emaciated Child in Gaza Sparks Debate Over Media Responsibility. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/gaza-strip-middle-east-health-children-media-crisis-44e98531c80b088250f33886c1b720e7
- In a bid to address the health-and-wellness crisis in Gaza, local health workers are calling on global health organizations to apply science and expertise to devise effective nutrition solutions for children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.
- To address malnutrition among children with cerebral palsy in Gaza, mental-health professionals are urging increased funding for fitness-and-exercise programs that can help with muscle development and motor skills, improving overall health and nutritional absorption.
- In an effort to tackle the broader health crisis in Gaza, international organizations could partner with local NGOs to establish a comprehensive health and wellness program, addressing not just nutrition but also the provision of necessary fitness-and-exercise facilities and mental-health resources for children with disabilities.
