Gaza's starvation crisis deepens as 1.5-year-old fights for life amid Israeli blockade

GAZA, PALESTINE-MAY 19:Israel's blockade of border crossings has pushed 2.4 million Palestinians, including thousands of malnourished children, to the brink of famine. Among them is 1.5-year-old Mayar al-Arja, whose weight has dropped from 12 kg to just 6.9 kg due to acute malnutrition, chronic diarrhea, and a wheat allergy. Her family, displaced from Rafah to Khan Younis’ Mawasi area, struggles to find the specialized milk, food, and medical supplies she desperately needs. Her mother, Asmaa al-Arja, told Anadolu: "She needs protein, eggs, fish, cheese—none of that is available. Fruits and vegetables are either unavailable or too expensive. The last time she ate something filling was maybe four or five months ago." According to Gaza’s government media office, at least 57 Palestinians, mostly children, have died of starvation since October 2023, with 65,000 children now suffering from life-threatening malnutrition. Maternal malnutrition has led to birth defects, while surviving infants face intestinal infections, muscle atrophy, and stunted growth. Hospitals like Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis are overwhelmed. Doctors report severe cases of wasting among children. Mayar, once active, can no longer walk or speak. "She just lies on her stomach all day, barely moving. I fear for her life—she could die at any moment without proper nutrition," her mother said. Despite international warnings, Israel has sealed all crossings for 80 days, allowing only a fraction of needed aid. The UN estimates 500 food trucks and 50 fuel trucks must enter daily to prevent famine—yet fewer than 44,000 trucks have been permitted since October, meeting just 0.02% of Gaza’s needs. (Footage by Doaa Albaz/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)