UNRWA: Premature Babies Born with Unprecedented Genetic Changes in Gaza
In a statement published on its official website on Sunday, UNRWA confirmed that its teams continue to provide humanitarian services in the Gaza Strip, despite enormous challenges and a severe shortage of essential medical supplies.
UNRWA reported a notable increase in cases of malnutrition, particularly among children and the most vulnerable groups, since the beginning of the intensified Israeli genocide in March.
Moreover, UNRWA warned that restrictions on humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, are exacerbating the health and living conditions of Gaza's residents, calling on the international community to take urgent action to ensure the delivery of vital supplies and end the escalating suffering.
It cautioned that the continued deterioration of conditions signals an imminent humanitarian catastrophe amid a near-total collapse of the healthcare system, rising poverty, and soaring malnutrition rates, especially among children and women.
UNRWA's media advisor, Adnan Abu Hasna, stated that 70,000 children in Gaza are suffering from malnutrition and that premature babies are being born with unprecedented genetic alterations, likely as a result of extreme conditions and lack of adequate care.
In an interview with Alaraby TV, Abu Hasna said, 'There are no medications in Gaza's hospitals, and the medical teams are exhausted due to the dire situation.'
He added that more than 90% of Gaza's population suffers from malnutrition and noted a sharp increase in the rate of killings by Israeli occupation forces, with over 110 people being killed daily in recent days through airstrikes and artillery shelling.
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