By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Federal Republic of Nigeria, Amb. Abdullah Abu Shawesh, has called global attention to the devastating effect of hunger, starvation, famine, and malnutrition in Gaza Strip.
The Palestine envoy, who made this call during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, also disclosed that one in three children under two years of age in the Northern Gaza Strip suffer from acute malnutrition.
He lamented that no fewer than 23 children in same location have reportedly died from malnutrition and dehydration in recent weeks.
Quoting current data on the subject matter, Palestine diplomat said: “Malnutrition is a devastating threat to lives across Gaza, as evidenced by the UN published report on March 15, 2024. Where, one in three children in under two years of age in the Northern Gaza Strip suffer from acute malnutrition… Malnutrition among the children is spreading fast and reaching devastating and unprecedented levels … at least 23 children in Northern Gaza Strip have reportedly died from malnutrition and dehydration in recent weeks, adding to a mounting toll of children killed in the strip in this current conflict – about 13,450”.
He added, “nutrition screening conducted by UNICEF and partners in the north in February found that 4.5 percent of the children in shelters and health centres suffer from severe wasting, the most life threatening from the malnutrition”.
Amplifying the words of UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, on the subject matter, the Middle East diplomat, said: “Palestinian in Gaza are ensuring horrifying levels of hunger and suffering…This is the highest number of people facing catastrophic hunger ever recorded anywhere, anytime”.
He concluded that 100 percent of the population in Gaza is at severe levels of acute food insecurity, adding that this is the first time an entire population has been so classified.
