Babies face imminent death in Gaza as formula milk runs out, doctors warn
In the neonatal wards of Gaza's battered hospitals, doctors and parents are sounding the alarm. With baby formula completely depleted and border crossings sealed since March, the lives of dozens of premature and infant children hang in the balance.
'In less than 36 hours, we may begin losing newborns,' warned Dr Ahmad Al Farra, director of the children and maternity building at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis.
'There are no supplies of specialised formula, despite our repeated urgent requests. The lives of dozens of infants and premature babies are in extreme danger if this crisis is not addressed immediately,' he told The National.
Inside neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), where fragile babies are connected to life-saving machines, the situation grows more desperate by the hour. 'We may lose some of them at any moment,' Dr Al Farra added. 'The international community must take responsibility for what Gaza's infants are suffering.'
In an exclusive interview with The National this week, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) secretary general Christopher Lockyear appealed for all nations to use economic, political and diplomatic pressure to stop the 'pattern of genocide and ethnic cleansing' in Gaza after the destruction of its health system.
Israel's army has attacked hospitals and clinics, accusing Hamas of using them as military launchpads and intelligence centres, often with little or no evidence.
'We no longer talk of a health system in Gaza,' said Mr Lockyear. 'The health system has been systematically targeted, destroyed."
Dr Jamil Ali, director of Al Rantisi Hospital in Gaza city – now the strip's main paediatric facility – says the shelves are completely bare.
'We currently do not have a single can of baby formula in the hospital,' Dr Ali told The National. 'Every day, more children arrive suffering from malnutrition, digestive disorders and illnesses directly linked to the lack of food and medicine.'
He emphasised that this is no longer just a crisis – it is a 'humanitarian collapse'. His hospital, he said, has made multiple urgent appeals to international organisations in recent weeks.
'We have made it clear: Gaza's children are now facing a real health disaster. We urgently call on the world to act – immediately.'
'Silent massacre'
Rehab Al Astal, 28, is a mother from Khan Younis. For her, the crisis is deeply personal. Her six-month-old son, Yamen, depends entirely on formula.
'I've searched everywhere – there's nothing. It hasn't come through the crossings for over four months,' she said.
'We're living through famine. I can't feed my son. I've taken him to the hospital twice. Doctors say he's on the verge of malnutrition.'
Even basic substitutes like baby oatmeal have vanished from store shelves. Breastfeeding, often suggested in emergencies, is not an option for many. 'I don't even have enough food to eat myself. I can't produce the milk he needs,' Ms Al Astal said.
'These are not luxuries. These are rights. These are babies –newborns – who have no part in this war. Their nutrition is the world's responsibility.'
I dreamt of celebrating him. Instead, I'm watching him hungry
Loay Abu Sultan,
Gazan father
Loay Abu Sultan, 27, from Sheikh Radwan in central Gaza, is witnessing his firstborn son suffer through his first months of life without basic nourishment.
'My son Mohammed is eight months old. He was born during the war. I dreamt of celebrating him. Instead, I'm watching him hungry,' he said. 'We adults can survive. But a baby can't. How do you explain to a baby that there's no milk? How do you silence his cries?'
His wife, already weakened by months of poor nutrition, is unable to breastfeed. 'We're scared of what might happen tomorrow, of what we can't control,' he said.
With the borders closed by the Israeli army for nearly three months, and critical aid struggling to enter and reach families, parents walk from pharmacies to clinics to hospitals searching for even a single can of formula, often in vain.
What was once routine – feeding a child – has become a life-and-death struggle. 'This is a silent massacre,' said Dr Al Farra. 'Not from bombs, but from neglect, from blockade, from inaction.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Camel milk rises as superfood with low lactose, vitamin-rich composition
Camel milk, once confined to traditional Emirati households and niche markets, is now being reinterpreted as a modern superfood that is rich in nutrients. In addition to being a vitamin-rich food with naturally low lactose levels, it is also high in vitamin C, iron, and proteins that support the immune system. Some reports have also suggested that consuming this nutrient may lead to improvements in autism symptoms. Due to its unique composition and immune-modulating properties, camel milk has emerged as a promising complementary ingredient in the treatment of autism. "Camel milk is a safe option for many children with autism, providing a valuable complementary approach within an integrative treatment framework," Dr Yasir Shafi, homeopathy practitioner at Wellth, told Khaleej Times. Camel milk is rich in immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and the antioxidant vitamin C. It supports gut health, reduces oxidative stress, and may enhance behavioral and cognitive outcomes. Studies, including those published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, have noted improvements in social interaction, motor planning, and behavior in individuals who consume camel milk under medical supervision. Its A2-like protein composition and low allergen content make it a safe option for people with autism. Milana Boskovic, director of marketing and R&D at Al Ain Farms Group, noted, "Research is currently being conducted on its potential benefits for individuals with autism. It is widely regarded as a clean, natural alternative with minimal processing." A heritage of nutrition Camel milk has been a vital part of Bedouin diets for centuries. Beyond staple food, camels were the primary source of life preservation, as the Bedouins used camels not only to provide milk and meat but also as the main way of transportation and shelter from harsh cold temperatures during winter nights. Camels hold cultural, nutritional, and economic significance in Emirati heritage, and they are protected under UAE law and regulations. The UAE preserves its welfare and movement, safeguarding its historical and cultural significance. These measures include rules for grazing, importing and exporting camels, and guidelines for camel racing. Global milk market "According to a recent market report by SkyQuest Technology, the global camel milk market was valued up to $15.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow further," said Boskovic. Export opportunities are growing, particularly in regions such as Europe, the US, and Southeast Asia, where demand for lactose-free and functional foods is increasing. With long-life milk and powder formats, the UAE is well-positioned to tap into this potential. She explained camel milk is increasingly recognized for its superior nutritional profile. It is hypoallergenic and rich in high-value proteins, as well as calcium. It is easily digestible, even for individuals with lactose intolerance, and can be used by the general population as well as those with specific dietary needs. Camel milk is becoming more attractive to health-conscious consumers looking for natural, functional alternatives to traditional dairy — whether for wellness, digestion, or a native booster for the immune system. The milk contains bioactive compounds like lactoferrin, lysozymes, and immunoglobulins that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These components help strengthen the immune response, protect against harmful pathogens, and may support gut health — a crucial aspect of overall immunity. Some of the most recognized benefits include: • Easier digestion due to lower lactose content • Support for diabetes management thanks to its insulin-like proteins • Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects It is creamy in texture and contains healthy fats, making it easy for the gut to tolerate. Boskovic noted that raw camel milk is unprocessed, and it may contain risks for people if taken on the spot fresh from the animal — we would certainly never recommend that. 'As with all milk, camel milk should be cooked to avoid ingesting any bacteria that may come from the process of outside collection from the camel.' 'Pasteurized camel milk is heat-treated at a temperature of up to 90°C to eliminate bacteria, then cooled for bottling and consumption, with a shelf life of up to 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator,' she added. Consumption has remained stable, evolving from a traditional staple to a modern wellness product. The UAE has seen several initiatives — from government-backed food security strategies to private-sector innovation. Al Ain Farms Group is the first global company to successfully develop the natural option of long-life milk without any chemicals added. They plan to commercialize the launch further, capturing increasing consumer demand for the product both domestically and internationally. Key challenges in producing milk include high production costs and low consumer awareness of the functional and healthy benefits naturally contained in camel milk. Some regions are more developed in accepting camel milk and understanding its benefits, but global awareness still needs to be developed.
The National
6 hours ago
- The National
Babies face imminent death in Gaza as formula milk runs out, doctors warn
In the neonatal wards of Gaza's battered hospitals, doctors and parents are sounding the alarm. With baby formula completely depleted and border crossings sealed since March, the lives of dozens of premature and infant children hang in the balance. 'In less than 36 hours, we may begin losing newborns,' warned Dr Ahmad Al Farra, director of the children and maternity building at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis. 'There are no supplies of specialised formula, despite our repeated urgent requests. The lives of dozens of infants and premature babies are in extreme danger if this crisis is not addressed immediately,' he told The National. Inside neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), where fragile babies are connected to life-saving machines, the situation grows more desperate by the hour. 'We may lose some of them at any moment,' Dr Al Farra added. 'The international community must take responsibility for what Gaza's infants are suffering.' In an exclusive interview with The National this week, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) secretary general Christopher Lockyear appealed for all nations to use economic, political and diplomatic pressure to stop the 'pattern of genocide and ethnic cleansing' in Gaza after the destruction of its health system. Israel's army has attacked hospitals and clinics, accusing Hamas of using them as military launchpads and intelligence centres, often with little or no evidence. 'We no longer talk of a health system in Gaza,' said Mr Lockyear. 'The health system has been systematically targeted, destroyed." Dr Jamil Ali, director of Al Rantisi Hospital in Gaza city – now the strip's main paediatric facility – says the shelves are completely bare. 'We currently do not have a single can of baby formula in the hospital,' Dr Ali told The National. 'Every day, more children arrive suffering from malnutrition, digestive disorders and illnesses directly linked to the lack of food and medicine.' He emphasised that this is no longer just a crisis – it is a 'humanitarian collapse'. His hospital, he said, has made multiple urgent appeals to international organisations in recent weeks. 'We have made it clear: Gaza's children are now facing a real health disaster. We urgently call on the world to act – immediately.' 'Silent massacre' Rehab Al Astal, 28, is a mother from Khan Younis. For her, the crisis is deeply personal. Her six-month-old son, Yamen, depends entirely on formula. 'I've searched everywhere – there's nothing. It hasn't come through the crossings for over four months,' she said. 'We're living through famine. I can't feed my son. I've taken him to the hospital twice. Doctors say he's on the verge of malnutrition.' Even basic substitutes like baby oatmeal have vanished from store shelves. Breastfeeding, often suggested in emergencies, is not an option for many. 'I don't even have enough food to eat myself. I can't produce the milk he needs,' Ms Al Astal said. 'These are not luxuries. These are rights. These are babies –newborns – who have no part in this war. Their nutrition is the world's responsibility.' I dreamt of celebrating him. Instead, I'm watching him hungry Loay Abu Sultan, Gazan father Loay Abu Sultan, 27, from Sheikh Radwan in central Gaza, is witnessing his firstborn son suffer through his first months of life without basic nourishment. 'My son Mohammed is eight months old. He was born during the war. I dreamt of celebrating him. Instead, I'm watching him hungry,' he said. 'We adults can survive. But a baby can't. How do you explain to a baby that there's no milk? How do you silence his cries?' His wife, already weakened by months of poor nutrition, is unable to breastfeed. 'We're scared of what might happen tomorrow, of what we can't control,' he said. With the borders closed by the Israeli army for nearly three months, and critical aid struggling to enter and reach families, parents walk from pharmacies to clinics to hospitals searching for even a single can of formula, often in vain. What was once routine – feeding a child – has become a life-and-death struggle. 'This is a silent massacre,' said Dr Al Farra. 'Not from bombs, but from neglect, from blockade, from inaction.'
Khaleej Times
18 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
The rise of Red Light Therapy in Dubai: A high-tech alternative to cosmetic surgery?
Beauty treatments and cosmetic procedures have long been associated with the world of luxury but as treatments become more technology-focused, it is becoming ever easier to keep a grasp of youthful looks well into old age. A surgeon's nip and tuck here and there was once sidelined for the rich and famous of Hollywood and the silver screen. But with people now prepared to admit to cosmetic procedures as a status symbol, spending on appearance has become a more acceptable side of modern life. The benefits of longevity therapies, like stem cell treatments and hyperbaric oxygen chambers, are growing by the day, leading even more of the beauty conscious towards scientific innovation to retain that youthful glow. Red Light Therapy — a form of infrared technology long associated with muscle recovery and physical benefits — has taken a firm foothold in Dubai's beauty industry as a bonafide, less invasive alternative to cosmetic surgery. Paired with a healthy lifestyle, improved muscle tone, energy boosts and an overall feel-good glow can be delivered from a visit to the many 'red rooms' now popping up across the city at dedicated wellness clinics and resorts. With potential for improved blood circulation, pain relief and even hair growth stimulated by the powers of low-energy red or near-infrared light, the power-boost delivered to the body's energy cells has the potential for a myriad of health benefits. An important point, Dr Giuseppe Bellucci, a longevity expert at the Baldan Group, told KT LUXE, is the heat delivered by RLT is significantly different to the high environmental temperatures of Dubai's searing summer. 'Unlike the ambient heat of the city — especially during heatwaves — which can be quite overwhelming due to the 'urban heat island' effect, InfraBaldan 3.0 delivers targeted and adjustable thermotherapy, optimising treatment effectiveness in maximum comfort,' he said. 'After the session, clients typically experience increased energy and overall wellbeing, thanks to the combination of infrared therapy and gentle physical activity.' InfraBaldan 3.0 uses targeted therapeutic heating to restore optimal body temperature, promoting the reactivation of blood and lymphatic circulation. It also provides an exercise function, with an in-built cycling machine to encourage blood circulation during the therapy to maximise its effect to users who are seated in a small capsule, similar in appearance to the cockpit of a fighter jet. The result, developers claim, is an improvement in physiological muscle tone and strengthening of the immune system, which is particularly vulnerable to temperature fluctuations. The therapy works by stimulating collagen production, increasing blood circulation, and reducing inflammation, bringing potential benefits to skin conditions and other medical areas. Meanwhile, better blood flow induced by RLT promotes overall tissue health throughout the body. And by stimulating fibroblasts — cells that formulate our connective tissue — red light boosts collagen production, potentially reducing wrinkles, laughter lines and overall skin texture that is more typically ironed out with botox or fillers. While this kind of therapy is nothing new, its application into the cosmetic industry is proving a growing market for those opting for less invasive procedures. InfraBaldan was born in the 1990s as a pioneering system for natural weight loss through the use of infrared technology combined with moderate physical activity. Over time, it has undergone continuous technological evolution, with a renewed focus on enhancing effectiveness, safety and user experience bringing treatments into the surging longevity health space. The 3.0 next-generation infrared technology utilises specific wavelengths for optimal tissue penetration, targeting basal metabolism and precision lipolysis, or the metabolic breakdown of fat. The capsule's synergistic cardio system integrates light physical activity, with careful monitoring of heart rate parameters to ensure maximum safety, while treatments can be personalised via a digital interface to track each session and an individual's improvements. By tracking a user's biometrics, such as heart rate, the therapy becomes more relaxing and effective through each session by reducing the naturally occurring stress hormone, cortisol. 'The key feature of the InfraBaldan 3.0 system is the intelligent synergy between infrared technology and controlled physical activity, made possible by an integrated heart rate sensor,' said Dr Bellucci. This seemingly simple component marks a major leap forward compared to traditional infrared treatments, which are often static and generalised. 'Synchronising the action of infrared rays with heart rate introduces an advanced level of bio-adaptation to the treatment, helping to reduce physiological stress, stimulate vagal tone and relaxation, and lower cortisol levels.' By also synchronising breathing patterns, respiratory quality improves, delivering a double-whammy of health benefits to the user. With greater oxygen availability in the tissues, proper oxidation of fatty acids occurs, helping burn fat fast by prioritising it as an energy source. Infrared technology is clearly having a moment, with hand-held personal devices and at-home red solariums becoming more affordable, and of higher quality, to deliver life-boosting therapies at home. In-clinic costs for RLT can vary, with sessions in Dubai ranging from Dh50 to Dh270, making it an affordable option for skincare and general wellbeing. Many clinics offer discounts for multiple visits when compared with a single session, which can last anywhere from five minutes to half an hour, depending on individual requirements and their sensitivity. From face marks, to hand-held devices and full-body RLT solarium beds and sleeping bags — the treatments available at home are wide-ranging and offer a multitude of personal options. Improvements in the light wavelength and power delivered by personal devices have also made investments in the technology attractive for some. Longer wavelengths can be optimised for deeper tissue penetration to power-up the therapeutic benefits for conditions like joint pain and muscle recovery. Increasingly, the technology is utilising the powers of artificial intelligence to track usage and monitor improvements. The results are adding a growing body of research and data to prove the positive affects of RLT across multiple areas of health and wellbeing, in a booming cosmetic market. Australia-based Bon Charge is a company looking to expand into the Middle East through its range of infrared sauna blankets and other RLT devices. 'People are actually starting to wake up a little bit to the efficacy of red light therapy,' said Andy Bant, founder and CEO of Bon Charge. 'They're starting to realise not all devices are created equal and are looking for reputable companies, brands and thought leaders out there to educate on this topic a little bit more,' he added. 'They're probably the reason why we're seeing it moving away from the salons and more into the home.' RLT technology continues to reveal more insights into its positive effects, as well as promoting the natural production of feel-good chemicals into the bloodstream. 'If you're looking at something like acne, for instance, chemical pills are quite invasive and abrasive on the skin,' said Mr Bant. 'But using red light therapy on an ongoing basis, you could actually reduce the appearance of acne. If you're looking at more cosmetic procedures, such as to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, that's also a really big benefit of using a red light face mask or a big red light panel.'
