The ongoing Israeli blockade and military offensive have led to severe shortages of food and medical supplies, leaving families like Najwa and her daughter Siwar to grapple with dire circumstances.
Desperate Struggles of Young Mothers in Gaza Amidst War and Blockade

Desperate Struggles of Young Mothers in Gaza Amidst War and Blockade
A haunting glimpse into the harsh realities faced by families in war-torn Gaza, highlighting a mother's fight to nourish her sick child.
As the war continues to devastate Gaza, the emotional toll on families grows heavier. Najwa, a 23-year-old mother, stands strong in adversity as she cares for her five-month-old daughter, Siwar, who struggles with hunger and health complications in the face of relentless violence and shortages. Recent reports from local journalist sources expose the grim realities of daily life in the region, as residents queue for scant rations while witnessing the suffering of others.
A mere five-month-old, Siwar was born into chaos, her small frame bearing the burden of a severe allergic reaction to regular milk. The absence of adequate medical supplies and severe food shortages, exacerbated by the ongoing Israeli blockade, underline the vulnerability of young mothers like Najwa, who herself battles malnutrition. The doctor’s assessments indicate a momentary improvement in Siwar’s condition, but the fear of running out of essential baby formula looms large. With just one can of the special formula on hand, Najwa fights against time and circumstance to keep her daughter nourished.
"Every day is a struggle for us to get food and necessities," Najwa explains, reflecting on the added challenges of high prices for basic items due to the blockade. The sounds of warfare — aerial bombardments, roaring tanks, and distant artillery — have become a chilling backdrop to Siwar's young life, leaving her startled and struggling to understand her reality.
Aid agencies and international bodies express growing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, arguing against claims from the Israeli military that food shortages do not exist. The United Nations, along with numerous governments, highlight the alarming conditions faced by the population, with the majority of Gaza now being classified as militarized zones under Israeli control.
As Najwa navigates her reality, balancing the needs of her daughter with her own hunger, it becomes increasingly clear that for many in Gaza, survival is the only thought that matters. "There is no thinking about the future," she laments. "We can only focus on surviving today." Amid the chaos, the world watches, and the cries for justice echo louder than the sounds of war.
A mere five-month-old, Siwar was born into chaos, her small frame bearing the burden of a severe allergic reaction to regular milk. The absence of adequate medical supplies and severe food shortages, exacerbated by the ongoing Israeli blockade, underline the vulnerability of young mothers like Najwa, who herself battles malnutrition. The doctor’s assessments indicate a momentary improvement in Siwar’s condition, but the fear of running out of essential baby formula looms large. With just one can of the special formula on hand, Najwa fights against time and circumstance to keep her daughter nourished.
"Every day is a struggle for us to get food and necessities," Najwa explains, reflecting on the added challenges of high prices for basic items due to the blockade. The sounds of warfare — aerial bombardments, roaring tanks, and distant artillery — have become a chilling backdrop to Siwar's young life, leaving her startled and struggling to understand her reality.
Aid agencies and international bodies express growing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, arguing against claims from the Israeli military that food shortages do not exist. The United Nations, along with numerous governments, highlight the alarming conditions faced by the population, with the majority of Gaza now being classified as militarized zones under Israeli control.
As Najwa navigates her reality, balancing the needs of her daughter with her own hunger, it becomes increasingly clear that for many in Gaza, survival is the only thought that matters. "There is no thinking about the future," she laments. "We can only focus on surviving today." Amid the chaos, the world watches, and the cries for justice echo louder than the sounds of war.