By Rima Sweissi
GAZA, June 20, 2025 (WAFA) – A medical source at Nasser Medical Complex in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis has warned of an impending health catastrophe threatening the lives of newborns and premature infants due to a complete shortage of infant formula, as the ongoing Israeli siege and war continue to choke the besieged Strip.
Speaking to WAFA, the source said that "hundreds of premature and newborn babies are now caught between life and death because infant formula is no longer available — not in hospitals, pharmacies, markets, or medical organization warehouses."
"These tiny babies are struggling to survive, gasping for breath through no fault of their own," the source added. "Their mothers stand helplessly, watching their children wither in front of their eyes."
For over four months, Israel has kept Gaza’s border crossings closed, preventing the entry of humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies — most critically, infant formula.
The medical source indicated that formula stockpiles in both local and international health warehouses had reached a critical low nearly three weeks ago and are expected to be completely depleted within the next 48 hours.
"In less than two days, we may begin to lose premature and newborn infants simply because there is no milk for them," the source warned.
Despite repeated appeals for help over the past two weeks, the official said, little attention has been paid to Gaza’s dire situation. "The world is now preoccupied with the war between Iran and Israel, and on top of that, Gaza is suffering frequent disruptions to internet and communication services."
He continued, "We are now at ground zero regarding the condition of infants in and outside the hospital. Currently, we’re using the last remaining supplies of first-stage formula for babies in neonatal units — but even that is nearly gone."
Medical staff may soon be forced to substitute formula with intravenous solutions, which the source says could pose severe health risks, including dangerous imbalances in blood electrolytes — a potentially fatal complication.
The neonatal unit at Nasser Medical Complex is receiving 22 new cases daily, mostly infants suffering from malnutrition and poor absorption. Additionally, hundreds of babies outside hospital care are also in urgent need of formula.
Since March 2, Israel has maintained a strict blockade on Gaza, denying entry to aid stuck at the border and implementing what rights groups have called a policy of deliberate starvation against the territory’s 2.4 million residents. The blockade has plunged the population into a phase of famine, already claiming numerous lives.
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