15 Children die from malnutrition and dehydration in Gaza hospital: health ministry

In recent days, at least 15 children have succumbed to malnutrition and dehydration at Gaza's Kamal Adwan hospital, as reported by the health ministry in Gaza.

The dire situation is compounded by the fear for the lives of six other children in the hospital's intensive care unit, grappling with malnutrition and diarrhea due to the cessation of the electric generator, oxygen supply, and inadequate medical capabilities, according to Ashraf Al-Qidra, the spokesperson for the Gaza health ministry.

Amnesty International challenged Israel's denial of responsibility for the "flour massacre," emphasizing that Israel, as the occupying power, is obligated under international law to cater to the needs of the occupied population.

Donatella Rovera, a senior crisis response adviser at Amnesty International, pointed out that Israel controls the entry of food, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid into Gaza through restrictions that have intensified since October 7, exacerbating the impact of the blockade in place since 2007.

Contrary to Israel's denial of responsibility for the deaths of 117 Palestinians during the collection of food aid on February 29, Rovera cites concrete evidence, including video footage and witness accounts, contradicting the Israeli authorities' statements.

The situation is further complicated by the Israeli military preventing human rights officers and journalists from entering Gaza for independent investigations.

Amidst these challenges, Meinie Nicolai, the general director at Doctors Without Borders, underscored the concerning reports of malnutrition, especially among young children, in Gaza. Nicolai emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire to facilitate increased humanitarian aid, asserting that airdrops alone are insufficient.

She called for a sustained ceasefire to ensure the safe delivery of aid and medical care to the people of Gaza. Nicolai also highlighted the lack of safety even in buildings notified to the Israeli army as locations housing humanitarian aid workers, citing an attack on a building where her staff and their families were staying, resulting in casualties.

As the situation in Gaza deteriorates, calls for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian support intensify, emphasizing the urgent need to address the critical health and safety concerns of the population.