Gaza: Israeli authorities are facing renewed accusations of using hunger as a weapon of war after seizing cans of baby formula from a US doctor en route to Gaza, according to a report published Wednesday. The accusations come as aid groups and medical professionals report mounting child deaths from malnutrition in the besieged Palestinian enclave.
According to Anadolu Agency, in late June, an American doctor preparing to enter Gaza on a humanitarian mission had packed powdered baby formula, gauze, and medical supplies. However, after arriving at the Allenby Bridge crossing from Jordan to the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces confiscated the formula, as reported by Le Monde. Diana Nazzal, a Palestinian-German surgeon who coordinated the convoy, said, "The baby formula was confiscated." She questioned the motives behind this action in an exclusive interview with Le Monde, suggesting that hunger might be used as a weapon of war.
Local health workers have highlighted the critical scarcity of baby formula in Gaza, especially specialized types needed for premature or lactose-intolerant infants. This shortage is particularly concerning in a region where malnutrition has severely affected mothers' ability to breastfeed. The Israeli army's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) stated that they have facilitated the delivery of over 1,000 metric tons of baby food since May 19, when a full blockade was slightly eased. However, doctors on the ground insist that these supplies remain insufficient.
Ahmad al-Farra, head of pediatrics at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, reported that stocks of specialized formula were nearly depleted by June. Although limited shipments have since arrived from US-based NGO Rahma, two babies at the hospital died in late June due to hunger and lack of care, as reported by Palestinian news agency Wafa. The Gaza Health Ministry's data, confirmed by the World Health Organization, indicated that 57 children had died from malnutrition between March and mid-May.
Foreign doctors have also faced increased restrictions. British orthopedic surgeon Graeme Groom noted that in May, he was not permitted to bring essential medical tools for the first time in two years. He described seeing severely malnourished babies in Gaza. American physician Thaer Ahmad has repeatedly faced refusals from COGAT despite WHO-approved applications, attributing the situation to the deterioration of Palestinian health and education institutions.
The challenges for medical professionals in the region are significant. French general practitioner Catherine Le Scolan-Quere emphasized the difficult choice between speaking out, which risks being barred from returning to Gaza, or remaining silent and allowing the dire situation to persist unchallenged.