Families in Gaza, caught in a dire situation, share their heart-wrenching experiences as access to food dwindles, revealing the deepening humanitarian crisis.
Parents in Gaza Decry Food Shortages: 'We Just Want a Loaf of Bread'
Parents in Gaza Decry Food Shortages: 'We Just Want a Loaf of Bread'
An alarming report highlights the ongoing hunger crisis in Gaza as families struggle to feed their children amidst tight Israeli restrictions.
In November 2023, Nour Barda and Heba al-Arqan held onto hope of a better future, deciding to expand their family coinciding with a temporary truce in Gaza. Barda's father, eager for a granddaughter, had been pressuring them for news of a baby. During that period, though food was scarce, it was still available, and the couple felt optimistic.
But as time passed, the situation deteriorated drastically. By the time Ms. al-Arqan discovered her pregnancy, aid had become virtually nonexistent. Shadia was born in April 2025 during a grueling hunger crisis, and Ms. al-Arqan, now 25, found it nearly impossible to provide nourishment. The couple’s desperation was compounded by the birth of their son, Jihad, in 2023 under similarly tragic circumstances, shortly after the outbreak of conflict.
Gaza has endured an 80-day siege initiated by Israel, which severely restricted humanitarian aid beginning in late March. Though there was a slight easing of the blockade in May, the inflow of supplies remained dangerously low. Meanwhile, the traditional United Nations aid system faced disruptions due to looting and violence, while a new Israeli-supported distribution initiative has been met with chaos and serious criticism. Despite claims of millions of meals delivered, the United Nations warns that this assistance is profoundly inadequate for Gaza’s two million residents. Private American contractors have been involved in ensuring security at distribution sites, with the Israeli military maintaining a significant presence nearby, underscoring the tension surrounding aid delivery in the region.
But as time passed, the situation deteriorated drastically. By the time Ms. al-Arqan discovered her pregnancy, aid had become virtually nonexistent. Shadia was born in April 2025 during a grueling hunger crisis, and Ms. al-Arqan, now 25, found it nearly impossible to provide nourishment. The couple’s desperation was compounded by the birth of their son, Jihad, in 2023 under similarly tragic circumstances, shortly after the outbreak of conflict.
Gaza has endured an 80-day siege initiated by Israel, which severely restricted humanitarian aid beginning in late March. Though there was a slight easing of the blockade in May, the inflow of supplies remained dangerously low. Meanwhile, the traditional United Nations aid system faced disruptions due to looting and violence, while a new Israeli-supported distribution initiative has been met with chaos and serious criticism. Despite claims of millions of meals delivered, the United Nations warns that this assistance is profoundly inadequate for Gaza’s two million residents. Private American contractors have been involved in ensuring security at distribution sites, with the Israeli military maintaining a significant presence nearby, underscoring the tension surrounding aid delivery in the region.
