DaysofPal- Newborn babies in Gaza are facing a life-threatening crisis as the Israeli blockade and ongoing war have caused a severe shortage of baby formula, medical supplies, and incubators, health officials warn.
At Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, doctors report struggling to care for newborns amid critical shortages of essential medical equipment. The situation is exacerbated by Israel’s months-long closure of border crossings, preventing the entry of baby formula, particularly Formula No. 1, which is vital for babies under six months.
“These infants are completely dependent on Formula No. 1. Without it, their health rapidly deteriorates,” said Dr. Asaad Al-Nawajaa, a pediatric and neonatal specialist at the hospital. “We’re seeing a surge in gastrointestinal illnesses, respiratory infections, and malnutrition—all preventable if we had the necessary supplies.”
Health officials across Gaza have repeatedly sounded the alarm about the looming disaster. Earlier this week, Al-Rantisi Pediatric Hospital in Gaza City issued an emergency appeal, stating it had no baby formula left in stock. The hospital, which treats dozens of malnourished children daily, warned that the lives of hundreds of babies are now at imminent risk.
The crisis is worsened by the widespread malnutrition affecting nursing mothers, many of whom are physically unable to breastfeed due to hunger and illness.
According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, at least 60 children have died from starvation and complications related to severe malnutrition since the start of the year.
“This is a humanitarian catastrophe. Denying baby formula and basic medical supplies is a form of collective punishment against the most vulnerable—newborns who have no part in this conflict,” said a health ministry spokesperson.
Medical workers are calling on international organizations to intervene urgently and facilitate the entry of baby formula and neonatal supplies before more lives are lost.
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