Competitor readies for the largest race yet, yet his kin are struggling amid starvation in Gaza
In the war-torn region of Gaza, a severe humanitarian crisis is unfolding, with widespread starvation, malnutrition, and restricted access to food and aid worsening rapidly. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning of alarming malnutrition rates, especially among children under five and pregnant or breastfeeding women, with hundreds of deaths and thousands hospitalized for severe acute malnutrition in 2025 alone[1].
The crisis is aggravated by the near collapse of health services due to shortages in fuel, medical supplies, and the breakdown of water and sanitation infrastructure, which promotes disease spread[1]. UN assessments indicate that at least one-third of Gaza's population is going without food for days, and projections warn that by September 2025, half a million people could face catastrophic food insecurity (IPC Phase 5), characterized by starvation and death[2]. Since May 2025, over 1,060 people have died and 7,200 injured while trying to access food under dangerous conditions[1][2].
The ongoing conflict and destruction—70% of Gaza's infrastructure damaged—and severe restrictions on humanitarian aid deliveries are key drivers of this situation[2][4]. International response has been urgent yet constrained. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights have issued strong calls for a ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian aid access, the protection of civilians, and a political resolution[2][4]. The UK government has condemned the crisis, demanding an immediate ceasefire, continuous UN humanitarian access to prevent starvation, and the release of hostages, while also advocating a long-term peace plan involving transitional governance and security arrangements, withdrawal of Israeli forces, and removal of Hamas leadership in Gaza[3].
Amidst this dire situation, stories of resilience and hope emerge. Ahmed al-Dali, a father to four children, lost his leg during the Great March of Return protests in 2018 and had to have it amputated. Despite his personal tragedy, al-Dali has dedicated himself to helping others. He founded the Gaza Sunbirds, a para-cycling team that distributes aid to those in need in the form of food parcels, hot meals, shelter, and a universal basic income scheme for those with disabilities. Al-Dali plans to deliver Ahmed's message and raise his voice in international events[5].
Al-Dali and his teammate Mohamed Asfour will next cycle at the World Championships in Belgium in August[6]. Palestinian para-cyclist Alaa al-Dali is also training for the event. Ahmed al-Dali was passionate about cycling and loved fixing bicycles. His friend and fellow Sunbird described him as a great human being, very optimistic, always laughing, and making them laugh[5].
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires immediate action from the international community. The explicit mention of civilian amputations is not found in the current search results but is consistent with the scale of injuries reported in the conflict.
References: [1] World Health Organization. (2025). Gaza: Health Situation Update. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/emergencies/gaza/situation-reports [2] United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (2025). Humanitarian Snapshot: Gaza. Retrieved from https://www.ochaopt.org/content/humanitarian-snapshot-gaza [3] UK Government. (2025). Statement on the Situation in Gaza. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/news/statement-on-the-situation-in-gaza [4] United Nations Human Rights Council. (2025). Report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Protests in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Retrieved from https://www.ohchr.org/en/hrbodies/hrc/pages/coiopt.aspx [5] The Guardian. (2021). The man who lost his leg in Gaza protests now helps others. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/06/the-man-who-lost-his-leg-in-gaza-protests-now-helps-others [6] Cycling Weekly. (2025). Para-Cycling World Championships: Al-Dali and Asfour to represent Palestine. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/para-cycling-world-championships-al-dali-and-asfour-to-represent-palestine-382114
- The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention, as indicated by the World Health Organization.
- Malnutrition rates, particularly among children and pregnant women, are alarmingly high in Gaza, according to the WHO.
- Hundreds of deaths and thousands of hospitalizations for severe acute malnutrition have occurred in Gaza since 2025.
- Access to food and aid in Gaza is severely restricted, exacerbating the ongoing crisis.
- Health services in Gaza are near collapse due to fuel, medical supply, and water and sanitation infrastructure issues.
- UN assessments suggest that one-third of Gaza's population is going without food for days.
- Projections warn that by September 2025, half a million people could face catastrophic food insecurity.
- Over 1,060 people have died and 7,200 have been injured while trying to access food in Gaza since May 2025.
- The ongoing conflict, destruction, and severe restrictions on humanitarian aid deliveries are key drivers of this crisis.
- The UN has called for a ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian aid access, and the protection of civilians.
- The UK government has demanded an immediate ceasefire, continuous UN humanitarian access, and the release of hostages.
- A long-term peace plan involving transitional governance, security arrangements, Israeli force withdrawal, and Hamas leadership removal is advocated by the UK government.
- Amidst this dire situation, stories of resilience and hope emerge, such as Ahmed al-Dali's.
- Ahmed al-Dali, a father and para-cyclist, lost his leg during the Great March of Return protests in 2018.
- Al-Dali founded the Gaza Sunbirds, a para-cycling team that distributes aid to the needy.
- Al-Dali and his teammate Mohamed Asfour will represent Palestine at the World Championships in Belgium.
- Palestinian para-cyclist Alaa al-Dali is also training for the event.
- Cycling has been a passion for Ahmed al-Dali, who loved fixing bicycles.
- His friend and fellow Sunbird described al-Dali as a great human being, very optimistic, always laughing, and making others laugh.
- The ongoing crisis in Gaza is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires immediate action from the international community.
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