“They Want to Die So They Can Eat in Paradise”

The United Nations agency IPC has reported that over half a million people in Gaza are facing hunger, severe food shortages, and a risk of death. Residents there have shared with the BBC how the devastating hunger is impacting their lives.

Reem Tawfiq Khaddar, 41, a resident of Gaza City, said, “We haven’t eaten any meat for the past five months. My four-year-old son doesn’t even know what fruit or vegetables look like or taste like.” She added, “The famine announcement came very late, but it is still important.”

On Friday, the UN-supported Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) declared that Gaza City and its surrounding areas are experiencing a “completely man-made” famine. The agency warned that more than 500,000 people in Gaza are now living through a “catastrophic” situation.

The United Nations has accused Israel of obstructing aid entry into Gaza. However, Israel denies these allegations and refuses to acknowledge the famine there. Eyewitnesses on the ground, hundreds of humanitarian groups, and UN agencies have provided contrary accounts.

Raja Talbeh, a mother of six who has lost 25 kilograms, is currently living in a temporary tent by the sea. She cannot eat gluten-containing foods. She said, “Since the war began, I cannot find what I need in the markets. Even if I do, I cannot afford it. Daily bombing, a displaced life, sheltering in a tent that offers no protection from heat or cold, and now famine—aren’t these enough?”

Twenty-nine-year-old Rida Hizheh revealed that her five-year-old daughter Lamia’s weight has dropped from 19 kilograms to just 10.5 kilograms. Lamia now suffers from swollen legs, hair loss, and neurological problems. Rida said, “All of this is because of famine alone.” She added, “My daughter is suffering from malnutrition, but no doctor has provided treatment or assistance.”

British nurse Mandy Blackman, working with the UK-based charity ‘UK-Med’ in Gaza, reported that 70 percent of mothers attending clinics during maternity, antenatal, and postnatal care are suffering from severe malnutrition. As a result, babies are being born small and fragile.

On 7 October 2023, in response to Hamas’s attack in southern Israel, Israel launched a military operation in Gaza. The Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health has reported that at least 271 people have died from famine and malnutrition since the conflict began, including 112 children.

Asil, a resident of Gaza City, said, “Five months ago, I weighed 56 kilograms. Today, I weigh only 46 kilograms.” He shared that he hasn’t eaten fruit or meat for months and has spent almost all his savings just to survive. He is desperately trying to find affordable powdered milk for his one-month-old nephew, which costs 180 shekels or 39 euros. He said, “Like thousands of others, we are just surviving day by day.”

Shaima Al-Obaidi, Senior Media Manager of Save the Children, said, “Sitting here, this (famine declaration) might not sound like shocking news to you.” She added, “People were eating grass, they were eating leaves.” She further revealed that children told her, “They want to die so they can eat in paradise.”