Much of the aid waiting to get to the Strip is dependent on a ceasefire being negotiated between Israel and Hamas.
However, Israel is refusing to hold negotiations until the terrorist group reveals how many of the hostages it took in the Oct 7 attacks are still alive. Hamas claims it does not know the location and condition of all captives, thought to number over 100.
In the meantime, aid trucks that do manage to get into Gaza have been looted by desperate people, leaving children like Diala empty-handed while Israel continues to bombard the region.
“I feel a heavy burden of guilt for bringing her into such a cruel world. What fault lies with my innocent little girl, suffering from starvation? All she needs is milk,” said Diana, who gave birth just before the start of the war.
Muhammad, the girl’s 40-year-old father, is a driver but he has not been able to get any work since the start of the war.
The couple, who have six children, soon ran out of provisions and money. With no food aid available, prices at the market are beyond what they can afford.
Like thousands of people in Gaza, they subsisted for weeks on animal food but that is now running out too.
“We’ve even turned to eating plant leaves to stave off hunger, but Diala, being so young, cannot digest such sustenance,” Muhammad said.
“All I beg from this world is milk to save my daughter’s life. The thought of losing her is unbearable. I cannot fathom losing my daughter, Diala, to hunger.”
Emily Foster is a globe-trotting journalist based in the UK. Her articles offer readers a global perspective on international events, exploring complex geopolitical issues and providing a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
