British surgeon Graeme Groom, returning from a volunteer mission in the Gaza Strip, stated that children there are trying to sleep with their stomachs filled with water and salt, amid a severe humanitarian crisis caused by Israel through the closure of crossings and the prevention of food and medical aid since March 2, 2025. He explained that the famine has led to the death of dozens of infants and the deterioration of the health of the injured, with ongoing malnutrition threatening the lives of many.

According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, the number of deaths from famine and malnutrition reached about 154 Palestinians, including 89 children, as of Wednesday, since the beginning of the blockade in October 2023. Groom pointed out that hunger directly affects the injured and hinders their recovery, in addition to increasing infection rates and the risk of death, emphasizing that the crisis is not natural but fabricated.

On May 27, Groom visited a clinic specializing in malnutrition, where a pediatrician informed him of the death of 60 infants due to hunger since the start of the blockade, some of whom suffer from lactose intolerance, and there was no special milk for them. He added that 12 children are diagnosed daily with acute malnutrition, and some mothers are suffering from hunger to the extent that it affects their ability to breastfeed their children.

He also noted that the famine has affected health sector workers, as anesthesiologist Nizar Abu Daqa said that his family could not find food, and his six children filled their stomachs with water and salt to be able to sleep. He mentioned that the price of flour has risen significantly, as he bought 8 kilograms for 300 dollars, an amount beyond his purchasing ability, which is enough for them for only a few days.

Groom spoke about the case of Palestinian youth Mohammed Hameem, who sent clips showing gunfire on civilians waiting for aid, with bodies and blood present, warning that malnutrition leaves lasting health and developmental effects on children. He explained that Israel has been implementing a plan to distribute aid through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, supported by Israel and the U.S., which Palestinians see as an attempt to force the population into displacement and reoccupy Gaza.

Since the start of this mechanism, more than 1,330 martyrs and 8,818 injured have reached hospitals as a result of gunfire on those waiting for aid, according to the Ministry of Health. Groom called on the international community to intervene, emphasizing that what is happening in Gaza is a barbaric act that must be stopped, and there is an urgent need to allow food and humanitarian aid to enter.

Groom works as part of a volunteer medical team affiliated with the Islamic Relief and Ideals organizations, which have been implementing medical programs since December 2023, including performing surgeries and providing immediate treatment for the injured, in addition to supplying hospitals with essential medical supplies. The two organizations are launching awareness campaigns to raise funds and support the Palestinian health system amid the ongoing blockade.