Many Palestinians are getting food poisoning from eating expired canned food as food shortages worsen while famine and diseases spread, the local government in Gaza said on Monday. According to the government media office, children are most affected by the deteriorating starvation crises, caused by an Israeli siege banning basic food items from entering the Palestinian enclave.
“The occupation [authorities] are imposing a policy of systematic starvation and treatment prevention,” the office said in a statement. “Famine and diseases are increasing among the residents of the Gaza Strip, especially among children”
The hunger crisis in Gaza peaked in March, with dozens of children dying of malnutrition and residents being forced to eat grass as Israeli forces repeatedly killed aid-seeking people. Under mounting international pressure, Israel “slightly” improved food access in some areas, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), after its forces killed several foreign aid workers and a UN-backed report warned famine was imminent.
However, Israeli authorities have in recent weeks tightened life-saving food deliveries again, leading to another spike in malnutrition cases, according to health officials. At least four children have died of malnutrition over the last week, Hussam Abu Safia, Kamal Adwan Hospital director, said on Saturday.