Operations in Gaza City expand, with Israel urging famine-affected residents to relocate to a designated safe zone

In the midst of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a heartwarming story emerges as Shamm Qudeih, a two-year-old Palestinian toddler, celebrated her second birthday this week in an Italian hospital.

Shamm was evacuated to Italy for treatment due to severe malnutrition and a genetic metabolic disease. Her sister, Judi, has also been treated by doctors after being underweight.

The family has faced hardships since the start of the war in Gaza. Shamm's mother, Islam Qudeih, shared that they have moved more than a dozen times. Qudeih can't imagine going back to Gaza, where Shamm's father remains, as long as the war continues.

The Israeli military has designated a safe zone in Gaza City, which includes field hospitals, water pipelines, food, and tents. However, the large-scale evacuation of Gaza City could exacerbate the dire humanitarian crisis.

Israel's army called on Palestinians in Gaza City to move to the humanitarian area it designated in the south. The Israeli military also stated that Palestinians could travel in cars down a designated road without being searched.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), in cooperation with Israel, is carrying out humanitarian measures in the designated safety zone in Gaza City. The GHF operates the new distribution centres that Israel has established to organise the distribution mechanism outside of UN humanitarian organisations and other initiatives.

Unfortunately, the Israeli military recently struck the Nasser Hospital, killing 22 people, including Mariam Dagga who worked for The Associated Press and other media outlets.

Parts of Gaza City, home to nearly 1 million people, are already considered "red zones." The war started after Hamas-led terrorists killed around 1,200 people and abducted 251 people in their attack on southern Israel.

Shamm's current caloric intake is about 500 calories a day, which doctors are gradually increasing. Despite the treatment, Shamm now weighs just over 12 pounds, which is still no more than half of the median weight for a child her age.

A cornerstone of Shamm's diet is a carbohydrate-rich porridge. The future remains uncertain for Shamm and her family, but for now, they find solace in the care they are receiving in Italy.

181 Palestinian children are currently being treated in Italy, a testament to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The hope is that with continued support and aid, more children like Shamm can find the care they need and return to their homes safely.

Operations in Gaza City expand, with Israel urging famine-affected residents to relocate to a designated safe zone