The Human Toll of the Gaza Conflict: Malnutrition and Resilience

In October 2023, the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorated significantly, with severe malnutrition affecting thousands, particularly children. Hoda Abu al-Naja, a 12-year-old girl, was hospitalized after losing a third of her body weight due to malnutrition, a condition exacerbated by the ongoing conflict and stringent Israeli restrictions on food supplies. An international panel of experts declared an "entirely man-made" famine in parts of Gaza, attributing the crisis to the blockade and military actions. By October 2023, Gaza health authorities reported 461 deaths related to malnutrition, including 157 children, raising alarms globally about the humanitarian implications of the conflict.

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Despite the dire conditions, individuals like Dema Al-Buhisi, a 23-year-old baker from Deir al-Balah, have shown remarkable resilience. Al-Buhisi continued to bake throughout the conflict, often facing immense challenges in sourcing ingredients. She described the struggle to find flour, which could take days, and the scarcity of other essential items like meat and vegetables. Her determination led her to innovate, using vinegar instead of eggs and turmeric for coloring, earning her the nickname "Cake Girl." Al-Buhisi's efforts not only provided a semblance of normalcy but also brought joy to families in Gaza, as she volunteered to distribute cakes to displaced children.

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The ongoing conflict has severely disrupted daily life in Gaza. Al-Buhisi's baking operations were halted for six months due to the war, during which she faced mental health challenges. Upon resuming her work in March 2023, she encountered significant obstacles, including damage to her baking space and expired supplies. The reliance on clay ovens, due to the lack of gas, further complicated her baking process, as obtaining firewood became increasingly difficult. Nevertheless, Al-Buhisi's cakes became a source of happiness for many families, offering brief moments of respite from the harsh realities of war.

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Israeli officials have attributed the malnutrition crisis to Hamas's alleged mismanagement of resources, claiming that the militant group has diverted aid. They have also expressed skepticism regarding reports of malnourished children, suggesting that many suffer from pre-existing medical conditions. Critics argue that the blockade and military actions are primarily responsible for the humanitarian crisis, calling for a reassessment of the policies that contribute to widespread deprivation in Gaza.

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There are conflicting reports regarding the extent of malnutrition and its causes in Gaza. While health authorities attribute numerous deaths to malnutrition, Israeli officials dispute these claims, emphasizing the role of Hamas in the crisis. Additionally, the lack of access to reliable data complicates the understanding of the situation, leaving many questions unanswered about the true scale of the humanitarian disaster.

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• “Before this, I was pretty and such, but in the war I got malnutrition,” — Hoda Abu al-Naja, 12

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• “When I work, I feel like I can breathe again. I love bringing joy to people. They used to call me the maker of happiness — even though all I do is make cakes — because I get to share their celebrations, their sweet moments.” — Dema Al-Buhisi, Gaza Baker

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• “Children have the right to feel joy. What we adults endured was unbearable — how could they not deserve a little happiness?” — Dema Al-Buhisi, Gaza Baker

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The situation in Gaza remains critical, with ongoing humanitarian needs and the resilience of individuals like Hoda Abu al-Naja and Dema Al-Buhisi highlighting the human cost of the conflict.

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