Devastating Hunger in Gaza
In the heart of Gaza City, Mervat Hijazi and her nine children are struggling to survive amidst the devastation caused by ongoing conflict. On a recent Thursday, their situation was particularly dire; only her underweight baby consumed a sachet of peanut paste, while the rest of the family went without food. This heart-wrenching experience has left Hijazi feeling ashamed and helpless.
Nightmares and Fear
Six-year-old Zaha is haunted by the sounds of Israeli bombardments. Unable to find solace in sleep, she frequently wakes up terrified and shivering from fear. When she remembers her hunger, her mother tries to comfort her by promising food in the morning, even though those words often ring hollow. Hijazi, aged 38, reflects on a particularly tough week filled with scarce resources and desperate measures.
A Grim Account of the Week
Each day presents new challenges for the Hijazi family. On Sunday, they managed to acquire around half a kilogram of cooked lentils from a community kitchen. This amount, though intended for multiple servings, was only sufficient for a single meal. On Monday, hopes were dashed when a local aid group handed out vegetables but had none left for Hijazi’s family. Her 14-year-old daughter, Menna, then struggled to bring home a small portion of boiled potatoes.
Desperate and hungry, the family often turned to drinking water to temporarily stave off hunger pangs. The following day showed a glimmer of hope as they received a half kilogram of cooked pasta from the kitchen, along with some falafel from a nearby uncle. Wednesday was relatively better, as they were given a bowl of rice with lentils after Menna passionately pleaded for more food and eventually received two additional small dishes.
A Dire Thursday
However, Thursday proved bleak as the community kitchen remained closed unexpectedly. With nothing but a single peanut paste sachet for her 11-month-old daughter Lama, who is reliant on nutrition supplements in the absence of baby formula, Hijazi felt entirely powerless. She lamented her inability to breastfeed properly due to her own lack of nourishment since her husband was tragically killed while searching for food.
Widespread Hunger and Starvation Risks
The Hijazi family’s suffering reflects a larger crisis afflicting the Gaza Strip. According to a recent global hunger monitor, over half a million people in the region face starvation, with famine looming ominously. Since Hamas launched a surprise attack on October 7, 2023, Israel’s response has included relentless bombardment and strict blockades, leading to immense loss of life. Reports indicate that while the Hamas attack resulted in 1,200 Israeli casualties, the subsequent Israeli offensive has claimed more than 53,000 lives in Gaza, according to local authorities.
Claims of Sufficient Supplies
Israeli officials consistently assert that there are enough food supplies in Gaza to feed the population, accusing Hamas of hoarding aid for its militant fighters. Hamas has denied these allegations, highlighting the dire conditions faced by civilians.
New Aid Initiatives and Their Implications
In a recent development, Israeli authorities allowed a limited quantity of food to enter Gaza for the first time since early March. While some flour and baby food were permitted, the introduction of a new, U.S.-sponsored system for aid distribution—managed by private contractors in areas under Israeli control—has faced criticism. U.N. officials and humanitarian organizations argue that this plan could further displace people and contend that existing aid networks are more reliable for distribution.
Concerns for the Future
Despite the talk of new aid, the Hijazi family has seen little to no improvement in their situation. Hijazi is especially anxious about her infant daughter, who was measured at only 5 kilograms last week—about half the healthy weight for a girl her age, according to World Health Organization standards. Over the recent week, the family has barely managed to share even a single meal, exacerbating their concerns about survival.
The Human Toll of War
The living conditions for the Hijazi family are excruciating. Their tent is sparsely furnished, featuring a photograph of Mohammed, the deceased father and husband, alongside a few empty jars and plastic bowls. Originally from the Sabra district, the family fled to Deir al-Balah after his death on November 17, 2023, when they sought refuge with relatives before ending up in a displacement camp. Though they returned after a temporary ceasefire in January, their home was already damaged, forcing them into a life of uncertainty.
Life Amidst Desperation
The piercing pangs of hunger often leave the family lethargic, affecting even their ability to maintain basic living conditions within their tent. Some children lie silently on the floor, overwhelmed by their circumstances. Yet, they still have roles to play in this ongoing struggle. Menna frequently stands in line at the food kitchen, arriving more than an hour early to ensure she has a chance at receiving any food, only to face long waits once she is inside.
On days when water is scarce, her brothers Mustafa and Ali trek to secure supplies from a standpipe in a neighboring district, carrying back heavy jerrycans—a task made even more arduous by their hunger.
Reflecting on Better Times
The family often reminisces about their life before the conflict, recalling meals that used to nourish their bodies and spirits. Mohammed Hijazi was a plumber who provided well for them, allowing them varied and plentiful meals that included eggs, beans, falafel, and fresh bread, as well as luxurious treats like burgers and chocolate, which his teenage daughter Malik fondly remembers.
Yearning for Peace and Security
Amidst the ongoing horrors of war, Mervat Hijazi speaks for countless civilians: “We have no say in this war. All we want is for it to end.” Her longing for a return to normalcy, for the safety of a home, and for the simple pleasure of sleeping with full stomachs reflects a universal desire for peace and stability—conditions that currently seem painfully out of reach.
