Another Palestinian dies of extreme malnutrition amid Israeli blockade

Another Palestinian has died of extreme malnutrition caused by the Israeli blockade in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis. On Monday, 29-year-old Ayyub Abu al-Hussein passed away, according to a medical source at the Kuwaiti Specialty Field Hospital. Ismail Thawabteh, head of the Gaza government's media office, described it as a "heartbreaking and horrific incident," saying, "The death of a young man in such a skeletal state is living proof of the crimes against humanity committed by Israel."

He warned that "the number of deaths from starvation in Gaza will increase due to the blockade." World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated on Friday that an average of 112 children are being admitted to hospitals daily in Gaza due to malnutrition. At least 66 children have died from starvation so far due to the blockade that began in October 2023.

Israel has kept the main border crossing points of Gaza almost completely closed since March 2, severely obstructing the transport of aid and essential goods. The United Nations says that while about 500 trucks per day are needed to meet the minimum needs of the people in Gaza, the number has now dropped below 50. Along with the blockade, ongoing attacks by Israeli forces since October 2023 have killed more than 56,500 Palestinians in Gaza, the majority of them women and children.