In brief
A growing humanitarian crisis sees parents in Gaza desperate for food as the blockade continues to impact basic supplies.
In November 2023, Nour Barda and Heba al-Arqan dared to hope for another child when a temporary truce brought a brief respite. Mr. Barda's relentless wish for a granddaughter seemed attainable, and despite scarce resources, life felt manageable. Fast forward to mid-2025, with the arrival of their daughter Shadia, life in Gaza has taken a grim turn; the war's aftermath has left families grappling with shortages.With little food available, breastfeeding has become a challenge for new mothers. Heba, now 25, holds baby Shadia close, knowing she cannot produce enough milk to sustain her. The couple’s first child, Jihad, born just weeks after the conflict began in 2023, experienced similar struggles due to food scarcity.Currently, Israeli restrictions have resulted in a total blockade lasting nearly three months, leaving Gaza's citizens with almost no aid. Despite a gradual easing of the blockade in May, shipments remain minimal. Compounding the situation, established UN-led aid systems have collapsed, exacerbating the predicament as looters and ongoing violence hinder safe delivery routes.Although a new, Israeli-backed aid program claims to have distributed millions of meals, UN officials argue that the assistance is insufficient given Gaza’s population of two million. The growing desperation highlights the urgent need for a sustainable solution to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
