Tragic Loss: Gazan Woman Dies After Malnutrition in Italy

Marah Abu Zuhri, who was extremely emaciated upon arrival, passed away shortly after reaching a hospital in Pisa. Her death underscores the dire humanitarian crisis affecting Gaza, where reports of widespread malnutrition abound amid ongoing conflict.

A Gazan woman has died in an Italian hospital following her evacuation from Gaza, where she was severely malnourished. Marah Abu Zuhri, 20, arrived in Pisa with her mother on an overnight flight organized by the Italian government for medical assistance. The University Hospital of Pisa confirmed that she suffered a cardiac arrest and died on Friday, less than 48 hours after her arrival. The hospital reported her significant weight loss and muscle deterioration while the UN warns of a growing malnutrition crisis in Gaza.

Since the onset of the war between Israel and Gaza, over 180 individuals, including children and adults with serious health issues, have been transported to Italy. Recently, 31 patients arrived in Rome, Milan, and Pisa, all facing critical conditions due to congenital diseases, wounds, or amputations. Meanwhile, British lawmakers are pressing the government to expedite the evacuation of sick and injured children from Gaza, following a commitment from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to establish an evacuation program.

In the meantime, Israeli officials announced the provision of tents and supplies to Gaza City residents ahead of planned relocations to "safe zones," following intense military actions. Reports from the Zeitoun district describe a catastrophic situation with mass displacements and at least 36 fatalities from recent Israeli airstrikes, according to the Hamas-affiliated health ministry. Moreover, 11 additional deaths were reported due to malnutrition, raising the tally of hunger-related fatalities in Gaza to over 250.

Israel maintains that it is focused on targeting militants while highlighting its commitment to reduce civilian harm. The government contests claims of malnutrition, attributing the worsening humanitarian situation to Hamas' actions. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a staggering death toll, with more than 60,000 lives lost since the beginning of the war, as per figures from the Gaza health ministry.