Struggling to Feed My Daughter in Gaza

Amid the dire conditions in Gaza, a mother shares her heartbreaking journey of trying to provide for her baby girl.

Sweet baby, I have no choice

The food that Noor and her family have relied on for months and their emergency bags

Gaza City – My daughter Lya was nearly seven months old when Israel's war on Gaza started. Born in 2023, my husband, Mohammed, and I were thrilled to have her after a difficult conception. I was determined to breastfeed her for six months, ensuring she received the best nourishment.

Despite working long hours away from Lya, I rushed home after work to spend time with her. However, the war changed everything on October 7. Israel's blockade led to food and water shortages, escalating prices and concerns about Lya's well-being.

Desperate times forced us to ration Lya's meals, reducing her food intake while I continued breastfeeding. Our struggles worsened as we sought refuge near al-Shifa Hospital amid the chaos.

Water scarcity became severe, leading to measures like rationing among family members. Our living conditions deteriorated, forcing us to rely on limited resources, including unsafe water sources.

As the war dragged on, food scarcity became a daily reality. I grappled with the guilt of not providing enough for Lya, resorting to feeding her whatever meager rations we could find, which often left us hungry.

With no end in sight to the crisis, I faced the heartbreaking decision of weaning Lya off breastmilk as resources dwindled.

Despite the challenges, I cling to hope, promising Lya a brighter future and urging her to stay strong as we endure each day.

Bread and rice

Lya’s only snack is energy biscuits, which are sold in small grocery stores and are expensive at $1 for a pack of four. Lya often needs more than one a day

Months into the war, returning home offered some relief, but essentials like baby food and fresh produce remained scarce. Limited aid shipments brought temporary reprieves, but the threat of starvation loomed large.

Reports of malnourished children and famine spreading across Gaza painted a grim picture of the situation. Knowing the harsh realities facing us, I tried to provide the best for Lya, even if it meant sacrificing our own needs.

Despite the hardships, I strive to keep Lya nourished and healthy, hoping for a day when she can enjoy the simple pleasures of fresh fruits and safety in our homeland.

Stay strong

What I've endured mirrors the struggles of countless mothers in Gaza fighting to protect their children from hunger and malnutrition. Despite my exhaustion and doubts, I persevere, determined to give Lya all the care I can offer.

Each day brings new challenges, but I find solace in the promise of a brighter future for Lya, where she can thrive without the shadow of hunger. I hold onto hope, urging her to remain resilient in the face of adversity.