Fadi, six, bears the cost of war in Gaza

WITH ribs protruding and wracked by malnutrition, this cystic fibrosis sufferer is just one of a two millionplus Gaza population in danger of starvation, say humanitarian groups.

- Mark Reynolds

The harrowing pictures of weeping Fadi Ez-Zenat, six, being brought to a field hospital for urgent treatment laid bare the growing catastrophe amid dwindling aid deliveries.

As Israel ignored the UN's resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire by launching yet more air strikes, charities say children have already died from lack of food and many more are at risk.

Hungry civilians have even been seen frantically foraging for wild leaf Khobiza to stay alive.

Sally Abi Khalil, Oxfam's Middle East and North Africa regional director, said: "Northern Gaza is days away from famine and the rest of Gaza faces a similar fate.

"Children are dying of malnutrition and starvation under the f gaze of the international community.

"Since December, the number of 3 people in Gaza who have plunged O into catastrophic levels of hunger has nearly doubled."