logo
‘Our children are dying slowly,' says father in Gaza

‘Our children are dying slowly,' says father in Gaza

Kuwait Times22-05-2025
GAZA: Father of four Mahmoud Al-Haw and other Palestinians crowd around a soup kitchen in war-ravaged Gaza, surging forward and frantically waving pots. Small children, squashed at the front, are in tears. One of them holds up a plastic basin hoping for some ladles of soup. Haw pushes forward in the scrum until he receives his share. Al-Haw does this every day because he fears his children are starving.
He sets out through the ruins of Jabalia in northern Gaza in search of food, waiting in panicked crowds for up to six hours to get barely enough to feed his family. Some days he gets lucky and can find lentil soup. Other days he returns empty-handed. 'I have a sick daughter. I can't provide her with anything. There is no bread, there is nothing,' said Haw, 39. 'I'm here since eight in the morning, just to get one plate for six people while it is not enough for one person.'
The Zionist entity has blocked the entry of medical, food and fuel supplies into Gaza since the start of March, prompting international experts to warn of looming famine in the besieged enclave that is home to 2.3 million Palestinians. Few trucks were allowed to enter Gaza on Monday, after the Zionist entity agreed to allow limited humanitarian deliveries to resume following mounting international pressure. But by Tuesday night, the United Nations said no aid had been distributed. On Wednesday, Zionists gathered at the Karam Abu Salem crossing to block humanitarian aid from entering the strip.
The Zionist military has also intensified its military attacks on Gaza. Medics in the territory say Zionist strikes have killed more than 500 people in the past eight days.
The Zionist entity's continued assault on Gaza has strained its relations with much of the world. European countries including France, Germany and Britain have said the situation in Gaza is intolerable, and even the support of its closest ally, the United States, now appears to be wavering.
Daily search for food
Gazans like Al-Haw, living in the epicenter of the war that is now in its 20th month, have no voice in the debate. Al-Haw's life revolves around walking to food kitchens each day, through the destruction wrought by the Zionist entity's bombardments.
Even before the war - fought intensively around the family home in Jabalia, just north of Gaza City - Al-Haw's family had its struggles. His niece, who lives with them, uses a wheelchair. His daughter has heart disease and bronchial asthma, he says. Al-Haw climbs the stairs to his one-room apartment, where his children wait, sitting on a mattress. There is no surprise about what he has brought home - soup again.
He puts the soup in small tin bowls and hands them to his four children and his brother's two children. The children, quiet, eat slowly and carefully. 'Thank God, as you can see, this is breakfast, lunch and dinner, thank God,' he said. The day before, he said, his family had had nothing to eat. 'I wish everyone would stand by us. Our children are dying slowly,' said Al-Haw. — Reuters
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Kuwait, Netherlands back dialogue for international stability
Kuwait, Netherlands back dialogue for international stability

Arab Times

time11 hours ago

  • Arab Times

Kuwait, Netherlands back dialogue for international stability

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 6: Dutch Ambassador to Kuwait Laurens Westhoff described his five-year diplomatic experience in the country as 'rich and full of opportunities.' Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Westhoff reflected on his tenure, which began during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He revealed, 'I arrived in Kuwait at a difficult time -- during the COVID-19 pandemic. Direct communication is vital in diplomacy, and that was initially a challenge. However, I was impressed by the Kuwaiti government's efficiency in managing the health crisis.' Throughout his tenure, Westhoff worked towards strengthening the longstanding ties between the Netherlands and Kuwait. 'Over the past five years, I have sought to strengthen the relationship between our two countries, which dates back more than 60 years. In 2024, we celebrated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Kuwait,' he added. He pointed out the emergence of new areas of bilateral cooperation, particularly in the energy transition sector. 'We launched an important initiative on transitioning from oil dependency to alternative energy sources, such as solar and hydrogen. This is in collaboration with Kuwait University, Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), and Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), along with Dutch experts,' he disclosed. He also expounded on the shared geopolitical realities of the two nations. 'Both the Netherlands and Kuwait are relatively small countries surrounded by larger neighbors — by Britain, Germany, and France; you by Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Iran. This compels us to rely on dialogue, diplomacy and mutual understanding to ensure stability and cooperation,' he stated. He confirmed that trade relations between the two countries have remained robust. He said 'in 2024, Dutch exports to Kuwait reached approximately €845 million, while imports – primarily crude oil – totaled around €1.6 billion through the Port of Rotterdam. This brings the overall volume of bilateral trade to roughly €2.4 billion. The Netherlands also holds a leading position among European countries in terms of direct investments in Kuwait. Dutch investments amount to KD488 million; mostly channeled through companies and investment funds in various sectors like oil, airport infrastructure, information technology, energy, and agriculture.' He praised the growing appreciation among Kuwaitis for the Netherlands as a travel destination. 'Around 14,000 Kuwaiti tourists visit the Netherlands annually. This year, the number reached 7,000 by mid-year alone. Despite our not-so-ideal weather, Kuwaitis seem to enjoy the cold and rain,' he said. He also highlighted the appeal of the Netherlands' compact size, cultural offerings, and ease of travel. 'Although our country is only twice the size of Kuwait, it offers a unique tourism experience— with world-class museums and artworks by Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Vermeer—all within short distances,' he elaborated. On education, Westhoff acknowledged the room for growth. He stated that the number of Kuwaiti students in the Netherlands is modest compared to countries like Canada, due to language and education system differences. 'Nevertheless, we are working hard to develop this aspect. Every Kuwaiti who studies in the Netherlands becomes a cultural ambassador for our bilateral relations,' he asserted. On defense ties, he revealed that training programs for the Kuwaiti naval forces occasionally take place in the Netherlands. There have also been high-level reciprocal visits, including a visit by Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Al-Sabah two years ago. He added that the Dutch Foreign Minister is scheduled to meet with his Kuwaiti counterpart this October. On air travel between the two nations, Westhoff commented on KLM's service suspension. He explained that 'KLM's decision was not related to Kuwait, but rather due to operational challenges at Schiphol Airport. Meanwhile, Kuwait Airways continues to operate three weekly flights to Amsterdam, maintaining strong connectivity.' He also clarified the current visa processing issues. He said the recent changes in visa appointment procedures were introduced by VFS, not the embassy, indicating these adjustments aim to curb the selling of appointments by intermediaries and to ensure transparency. He then revealed that his successor, Veeresh Ramsukh, will assume duties in early September. 'He is a seasoned diplomat of Indian origin, born in Suriname and raised in the Netherlands. Like me, he does not speak Arabic, but that has not been a barrier; as Kuwaitis are proficient in English,' he asserted. In his closing remarks, Westhoff expressed heartfelt appreciation for Kuwait and its people. 'I will miss Kuwait deeply. This experience has enriched my life, and I hope I have contributed to strengthening the ties between our two countries. The Diwaniya is a wonderful idea—welcoming people spontaneously and without formality. My wife and I are even considering starting a similar tradition in our hometown in eastern Holland: opening our home at specific times to friends and neighbors, with coffee and food, just like in Kuwait.'

UN official: Gaza situation "horrifying" as Palestinians face dire conditions
UN official: Gaza situation "horrifying" as Palestinians face dire conditions

Kuwait News Agency

timea day ago

  • Kuwait News Agency

UN official: Gaza situation "horrifying" as Palestinians face dire conditions

NEW YORK, Aug 6 (KUNA) -- UN Assistant Secretary General for Europe, Central Asia and Americas, Miroslav Jenca described the situation in Gaza as "horrifying" and "unbearable," condemning ongoing violence that includes shooting and killing Palestinians attempting to access food. Briefing the UN Security Council on Tuesday, Jenca said Palestinians face dire, inhumane conditions daily, with over 60,000 killed since the start of the Gaza war, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. He added that more than 1,200 Palestinians have been killed and over 8,100 injured since late May while trying to reach food, as the Israeli occupation maintains strict limits on humanitarian aid. He said that "hunger is everywhere in Gaza, visible in the faces of children and in the desperation of parents risking their lives to access the most basic supplies," and stressed that that international law prohibits targeting civilians or deliberately denying them life-saving aid, which constitutes a war crime. The UN official urged the immediate, unimpeded entry of sufficient humanitarian assistance to prevent further loss of life and warned against a potential expansion of the Israeli occupation military operation, saying it could have devastating consequences. Jenca reiterated that there is no military solution to the conflict, calling for a permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and a political framework that addresses the humanitarian disaster, ensures civilian protection, ends the illegal occupation, and leads to a two-state solution. (end)

Zionists consider full Gaza takeover as more Palestinians die of hunger
Zionists consider full Gaza takeover as more Palestinians die of hunger

Kuwait Times

timea day ago

  • Kuwait Times

Zionists consider full Gaza takeover as more Palestinians die of hunger

Latest airstrikes take Palestinian death toll over 61,000 TEL AVIV: Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu favors a complete military takeover of Gaza, media reported, and was to meet senior security officials on Tuesday to finalize a new strategy in the 22-month war. Mediation between Zionists and Palestinian militant group Hamas has collapsed despite intense international pressure for a ceasefire to ease hunger and appalling conditions in the besieged Palestinian enclave. Eight more people died of starvation or malnutrition in the past 24 hours, Gaza's health ministry said, while another 79 died in the latest Zionist fire. Netanyahu was to meet Defense Minister I Katz and military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to decide on a strategy to take to cabinet later this week, a Zionist official told Reuters. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a confidant of Netanyahu, would also be present. Zionist Channel 12, citing an official from Netanyahu's office, said the prime minister was leaning towards taking control of the entire territory. That would reverse a 2005 decision to pull settlers and military out of Gaza while retaining control over its borders, a move right-wing parties blame for Hamas gaining power there. It was unclear, however, whether Netanyahu was foreseeing a prolonged occupation or a short-term operation aimed at dismantling Hamas and freeing hostages. The prime minister's office declined to comment on the Channel 12 report. 'It is still necessary to complete the defeat of the enemy in Gaza, release our hostages and ensure that Gaza never again constitutes a threat to Zionist entity,' Netanyahu told new recruits at a military base. 'We are not giving up on any of these missions.' On Saturday, Hamas released a video of Evyatar David, one of 50 hostages still held in Gaza, appearing emaciated in what seemed to be an underground tunnel. The images shocked many people and sparked international condemnation. Throughout the war, there has been sustained international pressure on Hamas to release the remaining hostages, of whom Zionist officials estimate 20 are believed to still be alive. Most hostages have been released during ceasefires following diplomatic negotiations. Zionists broke the last ceasefire. A Palestinian official said the threat of a full takeover of Gaza may be a tactic to pressure Hamas into concessions, while the Palestinian Foreign Ministry urged foreign nations to take heed of the reports. 'The ministry urges countries and the international community to treat these leaks with utmost seriousness and to intervene urgently to prevent their implementation, whether these leaks are meant to exert pressure, test international reactions, or are genuine and serious,' it said. Zionist coalition government, the most right-wing and religiously conservative in its history, includes far-right politicians who advocate for the annexation of both Gaza and the West Bank and encourage Palestinians to leave their homeland. Nearly two years of fighting in Gaza has strained the military, which has a small standing army and has had to repeatedly mobilize reservists. It has throughout the war pushed back against the idea of Zionists fully occupying Gaza. In a sign of differences between some members of ruling coalition and the military, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on X challenged military head Zamir to state he would comply with government directives even if a decision was made to take all of Gaza. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar then said the military chief must give his professional opinion, while Defense Minister Katz weighed in to say the military would professionally implement whatever policy the government set. Hunger The war was triggered when militants on October 7, 2023, attacked Zionist entity, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and capturing 251 hostages. Zionist military response has devastated the tiny, crowded enclave, killing more than 61,000 people - mostly civilians - according to Palestinian health authorities. Zionist campaign has forced nearly all of Gaza's over 2 million people from their homes and caused what a global hunger monitor called last week an unfolding famine. Some 188 Palestinians, including 94 children, have died from hunger since the war began, according to Gaza authorities. A Zionist security official, in a briefing to reporters, acknowledged there may be hunger in some parts of Gaza but rejected reports of famine or starvation. On Tuesday, tanks pushed into central Gaza but it was not clear if the move was part of a larger ground offensive. Palestinians living in the last quarter of territory where Zionists have not yet taken military control - via ground incursions or orders for civilians to leave - said any new push would be catastrophic. 'If the tanks pushed through, where would we go, into the sea? This will be like a death sentence to the entire population,' said Abu Jehad, a Gaza wood merchant.- Reuters

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store