20-Year-Old Palestinian Woman Dies After Evacuation to Italy Amid Famine Concerns
A humanitarian tragedy continues to unfold in Gaza as a 20-year-old Palestinian woman, identified as Marah Abu Zuhri, succumbed to severe malnutrition in Italy. Zuhri was evacuated from Gaza to Pisa, Italy, for medical treatment but passed away on Friday due to her deteriorated health condition.
Arriving on Wednesday as part of a humanitarian mission, Zuhri was already in a state of “severe physical deterioration,” according to Pisa University Hospital. Doctors described her condition as “profound organic wasting,” highlighting the critical state of health many Gaza residents face amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Famine Gripping Gaza: Growing Calls for Aid
The international community has been urging immediate action to address the famine in Gaza. Multiple countries, including the UK, EU, Australia, Canada, and Japan, issued a joint statement earlier this week declaring that “famine is unfolding in front of our eyes” and demanded urgent measures to facilitate the entry of aid.
UN-backed experts have expressed concern over widespread malnutrition and famine, with reports indicating scores of Palestinians being shot while attempting to access aid near distribution sites. The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 12,000 children under five are suffering from acute malnutrition, with 2,500 of these cases being classified as severe—the most dangerous level. The numbers, however, are suspected to be underreported.
Conflicting Claims Over Responsibility
The ongoing crisis has led to a blame game between various parties. Israel continues to deny claims of widespread starvation in Gaza, attributing the humanitarian crisis to Hamas’ alleged looting of aid. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated, “There is no starvation in Gaza,” a claim met with skepticism given the distressing images of emaciated children and families emerging from the region.
In contrast, international organizations and human rights groups have criticized the restrictions on food, medicine, and essential supplies imposed by Israel. For months, Gaza experienced a near-total blockade of vital resources, exacerbating the dire conditions faced by its residents.
Italian Humanitarian Efforts
The passing of Marah Abu Zuhri highlights the challenges faced by medevac missions from Gaza. Recently, the Italian government organized three air force flights to evacuate critically ill patients from Gaza. These flights transported 31 patients, alongside their families, to Italian cities such as Rome, Milan, and Pisa for life-saving treatment.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called it the 14th such medical evacuation since January 2024. However, these missions underscore the severity of the crisis, with many patients arriving in compromised health conditions, as seen in Zuhri’s case. Regional leader Eugenio Giani expressed condolences for her death on behalf of Tuscany.
Images Reveal Harrowing Reality
Heart-wrenching photos from Gaza further highlight the extent of the crisis. A two-year-old named Sham Kadih was seen weeping in a hospital, reportedly suffering from severe malnutrition. Likewise, three-year-old Edhem Mohammed Abu Urmana was reported to be surviving on water instead of formula, living in a refugee camp after being displaced by ongoing conflict.
Since late May, the UN reports indicate that over 1,760 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid, with nearly 1,000 fatalities occurring near distribution sites. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation notes that the lack of security for aid convoys and distribution sites significantly exacerbates the situation for those trying to access food and medical supplies.
The crisis in Gaza represents not only a dire humanitarian challenge but also a call for united global action. The international community must work to ensure the safe delivery of aid and prevent further loss of life among the most vulnerable, including children and the displaced population.
