Gaza Health Ministry appeals for protection of medical trucks to enter tomorrow
The Palestinian Health Ministry has called on citizens in Gaza to protect a convoy of six medical trucks that will enter the enclave on Thursday as looting escalates during mass starvation.
In a statement, the ministry said six trucks carrying medical supplies and equipment are scheduled to enter Gaza Strip hospitals through the World Health Organization.
“The items expected to arrive are of great importance and urgent need to continue providing medical care to the wounded and sick and save lives,” it said.
“The Ministry of Health calls on honourable citizens, all dignitaries, families, and relevant parties to make every effort to protect the convoy, to prevent any interference with the trucks, and to enable their safe arrival to hospitals to save the lives of patients and the wounded.”
‘It’s really a critical situation’: Gaza hunger deaths rise
As food stocks ran out, the situation in Gaza escalated in June and July, with the World Health Organization warning of mass starvation and images of emaciated children shocking the world.
The Gaza Health Ministry says 154 people, including 89 children, have died of malnutrition, most in recent weeks. A global hunger monitor said on Tuesday that a famine scenario is unfolding.
“Children with underlying conditions are more vulnerable. They get affected earlier,” said Marko Kerac, clinical associate professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who helped draw up the WHO’s treatment guidelines for severe acute malnutrition.
The youngest babies in particular need special therapeutic formulas made with clean water, and supplies are running low.
“All the key supplies for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition, including medical complications, are really running out,” said Marina Adrianopoli, WHO nutrition lead for the Gaza response. “It’s really a critical situation.”
