A 20-year-old woman from Gaza, Marah Abu Zuhri, tragically passed away in a Pisa hospital just two days after being airlifted to Italy for urgent medical care. Arriving with her mother, Marah was critically malnourished, prompting her evacuation as part of a humanitarian initiative by the Italian government. Despite the prompt medical attention she received, including treatment for severe weight and muscle loss, she suffered a cardiac arrest and succumbed to her condition on Friday.
Since the onset of the conflict between Israel and Gaza, more than 180 individuals, including children and adults, have been transferred to Italy for medical treatment. This month alone, 31 patients suffering from significant health issues such as congenital diseases and severe injuries have been welcomed in major Italian cities, including Rome and Milan.
International alarm continues to grow over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the United Nations highlighting rampant malnutrition. A dire report published last month warned that Gaza is on the brink of famine, even as the Israeli government contests claims of widespread starvation, alleging that aid distribution issues are hindering relief efforts.
As the situation deteriorates, British parliamentarians have urged their government to expedite the evacuation of sick and injured children from Gaza. The UK Home Office has indicated plans to bring several hundred children to the UK, contingent on necessary biometric checks being completed for children and caregivers.
Amid these unfolding events, Israel’s military announced plans to begin providing tents and supplies to Gaza City residents starting Sunday, aligning with strategies to relocate affected individuals to so-called safe zones. This announcement followed extensive bombardment of the Zeitoun district, where conditions have been described as catastrophic due to ongoing airstrikes, leading to mass displacement and significant civilian casualties.
Gaza’s health ministry reports that over 250 hunger-related fatalities have occurred, despite an Israeli military assertion that it aims to minimize civilian harm and that Hamas is culpable for the humanitarian crisis. According to estimates by Hamas officials, more than 60,000 people have lost their lives since the conflict escalated, raising urgent calls for immediate international assistance and intervention.
