Child suffering from rare illness in Gaza gets treatment for malnutrition in Italian medical facility, resulting in recovery

In the besieged Gaza Strip, more than half a million people are experiencing catastrophic levels of hunger due to an Israeli blockade and ongoing military operations. This alarming situation has led to Gaza City experiencing famine, according to the world's leading authority on hunger crises.

One of the most heart-wrenching stories to emerge from this crisis is that of Shamm Qudeih, a two-year-old girl from Gaza. Shamm's undernourishment is due to a genetic metabolic disease called glycogen storage disease, which interferes with the absorption of nutrients. As a result, she currently weighs just 5.5 kilograms (12 pounds), which is still no more than half of the median weight for a child of her age.

A striking photograph of Shamm, taken by Associated Press freelance journalist Mariam Dagga just days before the child left Gaza, has gained widespread attention. Unfortunately, Mariam was among 22 people killed in an Israeli strike on a hospital in southern Gaza on Aug. 25.

Shamm and her 10-year-old sister, Judi, were evacuated to Italy for medical treatment. Judi has also been battling malnutrition and has gained two kilograms (nearly 5 pounds) since arriving in Italy.

The organization that announced in August that more than half a million people in Gaza are currently facing a catastrophic hunger crisis is the UN World Food Programme (WFP), together with FAO, UNICEF, and WHO, based on a new Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis.

Shamm is currently receiving a high-carbohydrate diet as part of her treatment. The hope is that this will help her gain weight and strength. The photograph of Shamm, along with her story, serves as a stark reminder of the dire situation in Gaza and the urgent need for humanitarian aid.

The international community must take action to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza. The ongoing blockade and military operations are causing unimaginable hardship, and it is essential that aid is allowed to reach those who need it most. The future of children like Shamm depends on it.