LETTERS: Malaysia and other countries can be proud about their stand on Palestine, especially South Africa's attempts to make Israel accountable for its actions since Oct 7 last year.
The challenge is to make a difference in providing meaningful aid, especially basic supplies.
At the moment, more than half of the Palestinians in Rafah are evacuating their homes, seeking refuge in so-called safe zones from Israeli bombardment.
However, they lack safe passage and protection from the brutality of the Israeli occupier. On foot, they endure long journeys without food, water or sanitation.
According to the United Nations (UN), having clean water is essential for survival, yet children in Gaza have almost none to drink.
Without clean water and proper sanitation, public health problems get worse. Cholera, typhoid and other sanitation-related diseases cause diarrhoea, stomach discomfort and fever, and can spread rapidly if left untreated.
Nutrition screenings conducted at shelters and health centres in the north found that 15.6 per cent — or one in six children under 2 years of age — are acutely malnourished.
In the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah, where aid has been more available, five per cent of children under 2 years are acutely malnourished.
This could be attributed to the lack of a nutritious food supply as aid is hindered by Israel. Denying children access to food will have lasting effects on their health.
Often, the food aid provided comprises basic staples and non-perishable items that are less fresh and may not offer the full range of nutrients required for a healthy diet.
Living in demolished buildings, dust and frequent bombings is unhealthy, especially dangerous for those with weakened
immune systems.
The lack of medical equipment also means patients are not properly treated, resulting in unavoidable deaths.
The constant violence and loss of loved ones leave deep psychological scars, particularly among children, who are at high risk of anxiety, depression and emotional distress.
The United Nations found itself unable to provide or improve Palestinian life not just in Gaza, but in the West Bank, too, as Israeli violence continues.
It is, therefore, impossible to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals No. 16 and 17.
Goal No. 16 is to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions.
Goal No. 17 is to unite all countries in partnership to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and ensure no one is left behind.
I wonder how the world can even achieve goal No. 17 when Palestinians are left behind.
Drawing a parallel between The Hunger Games movies and the plight of Palestinians, there is an urgency to end their oppression and address the public health crisis in Gaza.
Malaysia, together with the international community, must continue to act to alleviate their suffering and ensure access to essential public health services.
SHUKRY KHALID
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times