Doctor in Gaza reveals step by step of how starvation destroys the body as ‘unbearable’ video goes viral
Nearly half a million people are now facing famine-like conditions and a third of the Gaza population are going days without food, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has stated in a press release.
Hunger has now reached 'catastrophic levels' in Gaza and, despite recent deliveries, including 350 truckloads last week, aid workers continue to face extreme risks and logistical hurdles.
UN World Health Organization (WHO) has also warned that malnutrition in Gaza is spiralling out of control, with a sharp rise in deaths - most of them in July - marking what it calls a 'dangerous trajectory.'
And now, a Palestinian doctor in Gaza has explained exactly how starvation destroys the body as the death count continues to rise as Israel continues to block aid into the territory.
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Dr. Mohammed Abu Mughaisib, MSF deputy medical coordinator and A Doctors Without Borders colleague, has been surviving off just one meal a day.
His video explains how health workers themselves are fighting to survive alongside their patients following Israeli authorities' deliberate use of starvation as a weapon in Gaza, which has now reached unprecedented levels.
"[For] the past month, I have been surviving, actually, on one meal per day.
"And, in the last few days, I have even had only one meal every two days - not because I cannot afford it, but there is nothing to buy, and the markets are completely empty."
The doctor continued: "And I'm not the only one who cares for patients who are dying of hunger while we are ourselves starting to starve. Ambulance drivers who transport the wounded and patients, as well, are starving.
"We are expected to save lives while our own are slowly being consumed."
"This is not just about hunger, but about slow destruction of life, dignity and humanity." Dr. Mughaisib added, before explaining exactly how 'starvation destroys your body.'
Six to 24 hours
In the first six to 24 hours, the doctor says, blood sugar drops.
The body burns stored glycogen to stay alive.
One to three days
At this point, this is 'no more glycogen.' Fat is then turned into ketones to fuel your brain.
"The body is now in survival mode, we call it," the doctor adds.
Three to five days
From three to five days, the muscles start breaking down.
Dr. Mughaisib explains: "The body sacrifices its own tissue, even the heart, just to survive.
"This is when children stop crying."
He concluded: "This has to stop. I mean, to use food, water, aid as a weapon in this world, that's not acceptable at all."
Dr. Mughaisib's video has since been shared across social media with many celebrities rightfully using their platform to speak out on the atrocities taking place in Gaza and reposting the clip including the likes of Billie Eilish.
'This crisis is entirely preventable'
The UN reports that, of the 74 malnutrition-related deaths recorded this year, 63 have occurred this month alone, including 24 children under the age of five.
"Many died before reaching medical care, their bodies showing signs of severe wasting," the UN notes.
"This crisis is entirely preventable," WHO said in a press release, citing the deliberate obstruction of aid for the mounting toll.
Children are tragically bearing the brunt of the man-made starvation crisis with over 5,000 having already been treated for malnutrition in July, many with the most life-threatening form.
But, the UN notes, Gaza’s four specialised treatment centres are overwhelmed, running low on fuel and supplies, and staffed by exhausted health workers.
"The health system is on the brink," WHO warns, as disease spreads rapidly through communities with no clean water or sanitation.
The crisis is also devastating pregnant and breastfeeding women, over 40 per cent of whom are now severely malnourished.
And it’s not just hunger that’s killing people - it’s the desperate search for food, according to WHO.
Since late May, more than 1,000 people have been killed and over 7,000 injured while trying to access aid. WHO is calling for an immediate ceasefire from Israel and a sustained surge of diverse, nutritious food and medical supplies.
"This flow must remain consistent and unhindered," the agency said, urging protection for civilians, health workers, and humanitarian operations.
To donate to Medical Aid for Palestinians, which works for the health and dignity of Palestinians living under occupation and as refugees, you can visit its website.
Topics: Gaza, Israel, News, Palestine, Social Media, World News, Health
Rhiannon Ingle