Huda Abu al Naja, a 12-year-old Palestinian girl who had battled severe malnutrition for months, has died at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. Her death highlights the worsening hunger crisis in the region, where aid restrictions and blockades have left thousands of families struggling to find food....Click to Read More >>➤
According to The Times of Israel, Huda died from a simple infection her weakened immune system could no longer fight off. Her health had deteriorated drastically, with hospital staff revealing she had lost nearly half her body weight since March.
When Sky News visited Nasser Hospital in July, doctors described her case as one of many showing the devastating toll of food shortages in Gaza. Her mother said her daughter’s only wish was for simple meals — fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, and a bit of meat — but such items had become almost impossible to find after Israel shut down border crossings and tightened its blockade.
In the hospital’s malnutrition ward, many children were reportedly being treated with dextrose — a sugar-water solution that provides no real nutrition — due to the lack of adequate food supplies.
The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system has confirmed famine conditions in parts of Gaza, while aid agencies warn of “mass hunger” across the territory. Data from Israeli authorities indicates that the amount of food entering Gaza has often fallen below the bare minimum required to meet daily needs.
In July, Huda herself expressed a heartbreaking plea for help. Speaking to reporters, she said: “Before, I used to look like this,” pointing to a picture of herself before the war. “Malnutrition has turned my hair yellow because I lack protein. Can you help me travel abroad for treatment? I want to play and be like other children.”
Humanitarian organisations had been appealing for months to secure her evacuation from Gaza for medical treatment, according to Haaretz. Despite their efforts, Huda’s condition continued to deteriorate amid worsening shortages.
Gaza’s health ministry, controlled by Hamas, reports that at least 461 people — including 157 children — have died from malnutrition since the conflict began.
Meanwhile, Israel has announced plans to reopen five border crossings as part of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan to allow more aid into Gaza. COGAT, Israel’s defence body overseeing aid, said food deliveries are expected to increase to around 600 trucks per day.
On Sunday, hundreds of aid trucks entered the enclave, with many seen queuing near the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza. Egyptian officials said they were also sending 400 trucks filled with food and supplies. However, footage showed desperate crowds surrounding trucks in Khan Younis — a tragic reflection of how dire the situation remains for Gaza’s children. ...Click to Read More >>➤
