Gaza, 20 November 2024 — Today is World Children’s Day, first established in 1954 by the United Nations as a global day of action for children’s rights marking the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Today, Al Mezan released a field report (available in Arabic) highlighting the devastating impact of Israel’s starvation policies against more than two million Palestinians in Gaza, with children bearing the brunt of this deliberate and calculated policy. An English translation of the report will be available soon; in the meantime, here’s a concise summary of its findings:

Since the beginning of the genocide, Israel has systematically used starvation as a weapon of war against the entire Palestinian population in Gaza. This has been accompanied by relentless bombing and the widespread destruction of critical civilian infrastructure, private properties, and essential service sectors. Israeli authorities have imposed a total siege and severe movement restrictions on Gaza's population, both within the northern and southern districts and at the Rafah border crossing, which has been completely closed since 7 May 2024. These measures have obstructed humanitarian relief efforts, including the delivery of food, medical supplies, and essential nutrients for children, particularly infant formula, while denying residents the right to access healthcare outside Gaza.

Israel’s policy of starvation has caused the deaths of many Palestinian children. Since the onset of the genocide, the Palestinian Ministry of Health has recorded 38 deaths from malnutrition and dehydration, most of whom were infants unable to access necessary food either due to their mothers’ deteriorating health or the absence of essential supplies. The report underscores the systematic nature of Israel’s starvation policy, which not only involves direct starvation through blocking essential food and medical supplies but also the deliberate manipulation of food types and quantities allowed into Gaza. These actions undermine human health over time, causing a dangerous and continuous deterioration in living conditions.

The effects of starvation are not just a result of food scarcity but also the deliberate destruction of livelihoods and the broader economy, preventing the population from purchasing food and meeting their basic needs. These actions have compounded the suffering of Gaza’s residents, creating a vicious cycle of poverty and hunger that deepens with time. While some have already died from hunger, the greater threat lies in the long-term consequences of this restricted diet, now entering its second year.  The food permitted into Gaza lacks sufficient caloric content and fails to provide an adequate or diverse range of essential vitamins and proteins. Over time, this weakens the immune system, making vulnerable populations more susceptible to life-threatening illnesses, particularly pregnant and breastfeeding women, newborns, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions.

Over a year has passed since the beginning of the genocide, and the humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate, with the threat of famine and malnutrition endangering the lives and futures of all residents, particularly the most vulnerable groups: patients, children, the elderly, and women.

The report also highlights the severe risks to children’s health posed by the ongoing crime of starvation, emphasizing its devastating and long-term consequences. Prolonged malnutrition among children can lead to stunted growth, impairing muscle and bone development, and hindering motor abilities. Even with improved nutrition later, these effects may only be partially reversible, leaving lasting damage to their health and quality of life. The deficiency of essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids can significantly impair mental development and delay the acquisition of linguistic and cognitive skills. Malnourished children often struggle with learning and concentration, negatively affecting their academic performance and long-term educational attainment.

Malnutrition can also cause permanent health issues, including chronic anemia, a weakened immune system, and heightened susceptibility to infectious diseases. Over time, these conditions increase the likelihood of developing non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Furthermore, children who endure prolonged malnutrition are often more susceptible to infections like pneumonia and chronic diarrhea. Even after receiving nutritional improvements, their immune systems may remain compromised. Chronic malnutrition can also affect sexual development, potentially leading to fertility issues or delayed puberty. For women, malnutrition during pregnancy can later affect the health of their children, potentially leading to low birth weight or growth-related issues.

In its conclusion, the report warns of the escalating risk of famine facing Palestinians in Gaza, which has already affected both the northern and southern governorates. This situation has been exacerbated by the closure of Gaza’s crossings, the tightening of the blockade and siege, and the deliberate targeting of essential services, municipal infrastructure, and hospitals by Israeli forces, severely impairing their ability to provide healthcare. These factors obstruct efforts to combat famine and malnutrition, leading to an increase in starvation-related deaths.

Al Mezan calls on the international community to take immediate and decisive action to compel Israel, the Occupying Power, to end the ongoing crime of genocide and the targeted killing and starvation of Palestinian children in Gaza. Al Mezan further calls for the enforcement of a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel's full compliance with the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) provisional measures orders aimed at preventing genocide, including lifting the blockade and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Furthermore, Al Mezan urges the international community to translate the ICJ's July 2024 Advisory Opinion into concrete actions by all states to end the war, end Israel’s unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory, and put an end to Israel’s decades-long impunity. This includes ceasing the supply of arms and ammunition to Israel and holding perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide accountable.

Al Mezan emphasizes that continued impunity has been a major factor driving Israel’s escalation of war crimes, crimes against humanity, apartheid, and genocide against the Palestinian people, particularly Palestinians in Gaza. Al Mezan reiterates its consistent calls for action from the international community, especially the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. These actions are not merely moral or humanitarian obligations; they are legal duties imposed by international law.