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Critical Formula Shortage Threatens Hundreds of Gaza Infants

Tight restrictions on humanitarian aid have left Gaza’s pediatric wards with only days of infant formula.

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Overview

  • Dr Ahmad al-Farra reports Nasser Hospital has roughly one week of baby milk left and no specialized formula for premature infants, forcing staff to ration regular supplies.
  • Israel’s blockade allows fewer than 50 aid trucks into Gaza each day, far below the 500 daily deliveries UN agencies say are needed to meet basic needs.
  • Widespread maternal malnutrition has prevented many mothers from breastfeeding, leaving hundreds of babies outside hospitals without any source of nutrition.
  • Scarce infant formula on Gaza’s black market is selling for about $50 per can, roughly ten times its normal prewar cost.
  • The World Health Organization says around 112 children are admitted daily for malnutrition treatment, and local health authorities confirm 66 child starvation deaths since October 2023.