Gaza Malnutrition Crisis: Young Woman Dies After Evacuation to Italy
The Gaza malnutrition crisis continues to shock the world, with heartbreaking stories surfacing daily. In a recent tragedy, a 20-year-old Gazan woman, Marah Abu Zuhri, who was severely emaciated, died in Italy less than two days after being flown there for emergency treatment.
Her death underscores the escalating humanitarian disaster in Gaza, where thousands face food shortages, displacement, and mounting health emergencies.
The Heartbreaking Case of Marah Abu Zuhri
On Wednesday night, Marah Abu Zuhri boarded an Italian government-organized evacuation flight with her mother. They arrived in Pisa for urgent medical treatment, but despite doctors’ efforts, she suffered a cardiac arrest and died Friday.
The University Hospital of Pisa confirmed she had suffered extreme muscle and weight loss due to severe malnutrition. Italian news agencies reported that her condition was beyond recovery by the time she reached Europe.
Her story has become a painful symbol of the worsening Gaza malnutrition crisis, putting global attention back on the urgent need for humanitarian intervention.
Read WHO’s report on global malnutrition.
UN Warnings on Gaza Malnutrition
The United Nations has repeatedly raised the alarm about widespread malnutrition in Gaza. Experts warned that the “worst-case scenario of famine” is already unfolding, with vulnerable children and adults bearing the brunt.
While Israel denies there is starvation in Gaza, accusing UN agencies of failing to distribute aid effectively, the number of hunger-related deaths continues to climb. According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 250 people have already died due to malnutrition, including at least 11 more fatalities this past week.
Italy’s Evacuation Efforts
Since the start of the Israel-Gaza war, more than 180 children and adults have been flown to Italy for medical treatment. This week alone, 31 patients with life-threatening conditions arrived in Rome, Milan, and Pisa.
The Italian foreign ministry confirmed that many evacuees are suffering from serious congenital illnesses, war wounds, and amputations. Italy’s initiative is being seen as a humanitarian lifeline amid the collapse of Gaza’s health system.
UK Under Pressure to Act
In Britain, lawmakers have urged the government to accelerate evacuation efforts for Gaza’s sick and injured children. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously announced plans for an evacuation scheme, but progress has been slow.
The Home Office has stated that a few hundred children will be evacuated “at pace,” though strict biometric checks must be carried out before they and their caregivers can enter the UK.
Humanitarian Conditions in Gaza City
While evacuation schemes provide some relief, the broader situation in Gaza remains catastrophic. The Israeli government recently announced plans to relocate Gaza City residents to “safe zones” after days of heavy bombardment.
In Zeitoun, the largest district in Gaza City, municipal officials described mass displacement and widespread destruction following six days of relentless Israeli strikes and demolitions.
At least 36 people were killed on Saturday alone, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Hunger and Health: The Toll of War
The Gaza malnutrition crisis cannot be separated from the ongoing war. The Hamas-run health ministry reports that over 60,000 people have been killed since the conflict began. Among them, children are the most vulnerable, facing a deadly mix of violence, hunger, and disease.
Israel insists that its operations target only militants and denies claims of widespread starvation. Officials argue that Hamas bears responsibility for the crisis by mismanaging aid and exploiting civilians.
Nonetheless, images and testimonies emerging from Gaza paint a grim picture of starvation, mass displacement, and crumbling healthcare infrastructure.
Why the Gaza Malnutrition Crisis Matters
Beyond the politics, the humanitarian consequences are undeniable:
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Children dying of hunger in 2025 is a tragedy that resonates globally.
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Malnutrition weakens immune systems, leaving survivors at risk of long-term illness.
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International trust in humanitarian corridors and aid systems is eroding.
The crisis has sparked global debate on accountability, with aid groups demanding unrestricted humanitarian access.
Internal Context from Wil-News
Wil-News has previously covered similar humanitarian emergencies, including the Sudan food crisis and Ukraine civilian displacement. Each crisis reflects how conflict-driven hunger devastates civilian populations, and Gaza is sadly no exception.
Safety and Future Outlook
With ongoing strikes, blockades, and displacement, the outlook for Gaza’s civilians remains bleak. Unless immediate aid delivery improves, malnutrition-related deaths will continue to rise.
Aid groups are urging:
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Unrestricted humanitarian corridors
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Immediate medical evacuations for critical cases
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International pressure on all parties to protect civilians
