Gaza's enduring suffering

At least 165 children in Gaza are reported to have died "painful, preventable" deaths related to malnutrition since Israel began its assault on the Palestinian territory two years ago, according to new statistics from UNICEF. Spokesperson Tess Ingram said hunger among pregnant and breastfeeding women is a lesser-known but severe problem in Gaza, with 8,300 such women admitted for treatment for acute malnutrition this October alone, "in a place where there was no discernible malnutrition among this group" before the war. This, plus maternal stress and the lack of prenatal care has contributed to a doubling of infants born at low birthweight, which massively increases the chances of infant death.

Even if Israel fully stops bombing Gaza in line with the current ceasefire (it has not), these knock-on effects will be felt for a long time to come. Meanwhile, heavy winter rains and flooding in Gaza are bringing further misery, with water and sewage flooding tents and shelters, putting people at risk of hypothermia and waterborne diseases. Some deathshave already been reported. Aid groups point out that this suffering could be prevented if Israel would allow more aid in, including proper shelter and medical support. 

Form The New Humanitarian, Dec. 12