'Situation is dire' - BBC returns to Gaza baby left hungry by Israeli blockade

In Gaza, a region that has been deeply affected by ongoing conflict, the situation for many families is extremely challenging. Fergal Keane, a special correspondent for the BBC, recently reported on the dire conditions faced by children in this area. As he filmed, he noticed that the children hardly reacted to the camera, as they have become accustomed to the harsh realities of their lives. They wait in long lines for food, often receiving very little or nothing at all. One child who particularly touched the hearts of those who saw her story is a five-month-old girl named Siwar Ashour. Siwar is significantly underweight for her age, weighing just over 2 kilograms, while a healthy baby of her age should weigh around 6 kilograms or more. Siwar has a severe allergy that prevents her from drinking regular milk, which makes it even more difficult for her family to find the special formula she needs. Najwa, Siwar's mother, and Reem, her grandmother, are doing everything they can to care for her, but the lack of resources makes it a constant struggle. They live in a small, cramped space with very few belongings, and Najwa expressed her concerns about Siwar's health. After being discharged from the hospital, Siwar was given a can of special baby formula, but now that supply is running low. Najwa said, 'The situation is very dire,' highlighting the severity of their circumstances. Flies buzz around Siwar, and Najwa has to cover her with a scarf to protect her from insects. The sounds of war have been a part of Siwar's life since she was born, and Najwa explained that the loud noises from tanks and planes frighten her. Many mothers in Gaza are struggling to breastfeed their babies due to their own malnutrition, which adds to the challenges faced by families like Najwa's. The lack of food and clean water is a pressing issue, and Najwa shared that they often cannot afford basic necessities like milk and diapers. Despite claims from the Israeli military that there is no food shortage in Gaza, many aid organizations and international leaders disagree, stating that the situation is critical. The United Nations has described the amount of aid allowed into Gaza as minimal, and the suffering of the people continues to grow. Najwa's words reflect the harsh reality of life in Gaza: 'One does not think about the future or the past. There is only the present moment and how to survive it. ' This statement captures the essence of their daily struggle, as they focus solely on getting through each day amidst the chaos.