The Faces of Hunger, Youssef’s Account from Gaza

As a volunteer, I’ve witnessed the resilience of communities in the Middle East. But nothing prepared me for the heart-wrenching reality I encountered in Gaza this year. The images of skeletal children and the stories of families surviving on scraps are not just statisticsthey are lives, dreams, and futures at risk.

A Crisis Unfolding

In early 2025, I arrived in Gaza, a region already grappling with the aftermath of prolonged conflict. The situation had deteriorated to catastrophic levels. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 62,000 Palestinians had died since October 2023, with more than 1.1 million children daily lacking the minimum nutritional requirements for survival .

The streets of Gaza City, once bustling with life, now echoed with silence. Families huddled in makeshift shelters, their faces etched with fear and fatigue. The humanitarian aid that once flowed into the region had been severely restricted, leaving communities to fend for themselves.

Children: The Silent Victims

The most heartbreaking aspect of this crisis is its impact on children. In July 2025, the World Health Organization reported a spike in malnutrition-related deaths, with 63 occurring in that month alone, including 24 children under five . Hospitals were overwhelmed, and medical supplies were running low.

I visited a local clinic where a mother cradled her emaciated child, her eyes filled with despair. The staff, though dedicated, were stretched thin, doing their best with limited resources. The situation was dire, and the need for immediate intervention was clear.

Rise Fund Global’s Response

In response to this crisis, many organizations have initiated emergency relief efforts in Gaza. Our focus is on providing immediate nutritional support, medical care, and safe spaces for children. Through partnerships with local organizations, we are delivering food packages, setting up mobile clinics, and creating child-friendly spaces to offer psychological support.

One of the most impactful programs has been our mobile nutrition units. These units travel to the most affected areas, providing essential nutrients to children and educating families on proper feeding practices. The response has been overwhelming, with hundreds of families seeking assistance daily.

A Call to Action

The situation in Gaza remains critical. While international organizations and local groups continue to provide aid, the scale of the crisis requires a global response. As a volunteer on the ground, I urge the international community to increase humanitarian assistance, support ceasefire agreements, and ensure unimpeded access for aid delivery.

Conclusion

The faces of hunger in Gaza are not just statisticsthey are children with dreams, families with hopes, and communities with resilience. As we witness their suffering, let us also witness their strength and humanity. Together, we can help turn the tide and ensure that the children of Gaza have a future filled with promise, not despair.