PMRS Study: 52% of Gaza Children Suffer from Malnutrition and Respiratory Infections

Up to 52% of children in Gaza suffer from anemia, and severe deficiency in phosphor, calcium and zinc, while a significant number of children suffer from infections in their respiratory systems, a study conducted by the Palestinian Medical Relief Association (PMRS) revealed.

In a statement the association released during a ceremony it held marking the end of the first phase of a project meant to evaluate the psychological conditions of children in the Gaza Strip

The project is conducted in cooperation with a humanitarian society in Italy.

The statement pointed out that the ongoing "Israeli" invasions, bombardment and attacks, especially in border areas have a direct impact on Gaza children's health and psychological conditions. The study also revealed that the sharp increase of unemployment resulting from the Zionist blockade on the Gaza strip led to an increased number of children working to help their families.

Head of the PMRS, Adnan Al Waheedy stated that this project is meant to prevent and stop the deterioration of health and psychological conditions of Gaza children living in poverty because of the "Israeli" blockade.

He added that this project helped nearly 4,000 children and 6,000 families, as the children were given vitamins, iron and other medications needed to treat malnutrition and anemia.

The situation in Gaza has been deteriorating due to the "Israeli" three-year-old siege against the strip, preventing food, medicine, and daily necessities from entering the enclave.

The UN Security Council, and international countries and organizations called on the Zionist entity to break the inhumane siege, especially after the latest "Israeli" deadly attack against the Gaza aid carrying freedom flotilla in international waters. However, "Israel" did not respond, claiming it "eased" the siege by allowing a few previously prevented kinds of food.