Abdul Rahman Abu Nabhan, a 12-year-old boy from Al-Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza, ventured out with an empty plate, hoping to bring a meal back to his family sheltering in a crowded school. His search ended in tragedy when he fell into a pot of boiling food at a chaotic charity kitchen, succumbing to severe burns days later. His death has left his displaced family, already enduring unimaginable hardships, in profound grief.

The family had lost their home to Israeli airstrikes and relied on charity kitchens for survival. Abdul Rahman’s father, Nabil, shared his pain: “He only wanted to help, but the crowding was too much.” The overcrowded and disorganised kitchens, a lifeline for many displaced Gazans, have become places of desperation, where risks are ever-present as people scramble for basic sustenance.

The ongoing blockade and aggression have plunged Gaza into a severe humanitarian crisis, forcing families into shelters and creating shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Charity kitchens struggle to meet the overwhelming demand, with disorganisation and chaos leading to tragic incidents like Abdul Rahman’s death.

Nabil expressed his anguish and frustration at the lack of international action, calling out the silence of the global community. “The world sees our suffering but does nothing. My son’s death is a reminder of the cost of this aggression, where even seeking food can be fatal,” he said.

As Gaza’s blockade tightens, stories like Abdul Rahman’s serve as a harrowing testament to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. His family’s heartbreak underscores the urgent need for action to alleviate the suffering of millions and bring an end to the endless cycle of loss and despair.