In a devastating revelation, the World Health Organization (WHO) Chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has reported the tragic deaths of children due to starvation in northern Gaza. WHO's recent visits to Al-Awda and Kamal Adwan hospitals over the weekend disclosed dire conditions, marking the first visits since early October.

In a social media post, Dr. Tedros revealed the heart-wrenching findings of "severe levels of malnutrition" and the deaths of 10 children caused by the lack of food. Additionally, he highlighted the destruction of hospital buildings, further exacerbating the already dire situation. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza also reported that Kamal Adwan hospital alone had lost 15 children to malnutrition and dehydration, with another child succumbing to the same fate in the city of Rafah.

Dr. Tedros emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that northern Gaza, home to an estimated 300,000 people, is grappling with severe shortages of fuel, food, medical supplies, and clean water. The WHO Chief expressed grave concern over the lack of access to the area, even after persistent efforts to establish regular visits.

Al-Awda Hospital was particularly highlighted as an appalling case, with one of its buildings completely destroyed. Last week, the United Nations issued a warning that famine in Gaza was "almost inevitable," and a senior UN aid official stated that 576,000 people, a quarter of Gaza's population, were facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity. Shockingly, one in six children under the age of two in the north were suffering from acute malnutrition, according to the official.

The Gaza Strip has been embroiled in a violent conflict, as the Israeli military launched a large-scale air and ground campaign against Hamas, labeled a terrorist organization by Israel, the UK, the US, and others. The conflict arose after Hamas militants killed approximately 1,200 people in southern Israel and took 253 hostages back to Gaza on October 7th. Since then, the territory's health ministry reports that over 30,500 people, mainly women and children, have lost their lives.

Efforts to facilitate aid and establish a ceasefire are ongoing, with US Vice-President Kamala Harris urging Israel to allow more aid into Gaza and calling for an immediate halt to the violence. While there are indications that Israel may agree to a temporary truce, progress is impeded by the need for Hamas to provide details about the captives in Gaza. The arrival of desperately needed supplies comes as a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing tragedy in northern Gaza.

The international community stands united in its concern for the vulnerable citizens of Gaza, particularly the children who are bearing the brunt of this devastating crisis. Immediate action and support are crucial to averting further loss of innocent lives and alleviating the acute humanitarian crisis gripping the region.