In certain circumstances and locations, merely surviving becomes an accomplishment for a young boy, let alone taking on the responsibility of sourcing food daily to prevent his family from going hungry.

Each morning, 11-year-old Mohammed Zo'rab ventures into the streets of Rafah in southern Gaza with a mission. Armed with a large plastic bowl, he visits schools turned refugee centers, makeshift roadside camps, and hospitals where he hopes to find food for his family, even if it means relying on the generosity of strangers.

Mohammed, the eldest of four siblings, resides with his family in a fragile shelter constructed from plastic and tarpaulin. His father struggles to find odd jobs to afford diapers for his two-month-old sister, Howaida.

Like many children in Gaza, Mohammed has become a primary food provider for his family, braving large crowds and risking confrontation to secure even the most basic necessities.

At home, Mohammed's mother, Samar, distributes the meager provisions he brings back, all while battling cancer and the physical toll it takes on her body.

The Zo'rab family, like countless others, fled to Rafah from their home further north due to promises of safety from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). However, with the conflict encroaching steadily closer, their shelter offers little protection from the elements, and necessities like fresh diapers for the baby become scarce.

In a region where over 85% of the population is displaced, humanitarian aid falls woefully short of the needs. The UN reports a significant shortfall in aid delivery, with only a fraction of the required supplies reaching those in desperate need.

The situation is particularly dire in northern Gaza, where aid distribution has been hindered by logistical challenges and security concerns. Attacks on aid convoys and the reluctance of local authorities to provide escorts further exacerbate the crisis.

In Israel, public opinion remains largely unsympathetic to increasing aid efforts for Gaza civilians, with many prioritizing the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Meanwhile, charities like Pious Projects of America are doing what they can to provide assistance, though their resources are stretched thin. In the face of mounting malnutrition and despair, the situation for civilians in Gaza continues to deteriorate rapidly.