The Ministry of Health in Gaza has warned about a serious and unprecedented shortage of vital medications for patients with oncological diseases, bringing the healthcare system to a critical state. It was noted that some drugs, including chemotherapy agents and other auxiliary treatment methods, have completely run out.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported via social media that chemotherapy protocols for patients with breast, colon, and rectal cancer, as well as those suffering from head and neck and gastrointestinal tumors, have been suspended. Medical workers also emphasized that the lack of oncology drugs hinders preparation for combined chemotherapy.
The Ministry warned that the absence of injections to strengthen the immune system, which should be administered after chemotherapy sessions, makes patients more susceptible to severe infections and complications. Furthermore, the shortage of palliative care and painkillers exacerbates the critical health condition of cancer patients.
This situation in Gaza is caused by ongoing Israeli attacks and restrictions on leaving the enclave, despite the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas reached in October 2025. The Ministry explained that four thousand oncological patients out of 11,000 who are permitted to travel abroad for treatment are still awaiting travel permission, reiterating that the current situation in Gaza puts their lives at real risk.
In this regard, the Gaza health authorities appealed to all international and humanitarian organizations with an urgent call to respond to the pleas of these besieged patients, whose suffering grows with each passing hour due to the lack of necessary treatment.
It is worth recalling that Israel began military operations against Gaza after the Hamas attack on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of over 1200 people and the abduction of about 250 people.
Shelves with chocolate and chewing gum, previously located near the checkout counters, have disappeared from the Carrefour supermarket in Abu Dhabi. This change is one of the first visible signs of a new directive requiring supermarkets across the emirate to exclude unhealthy food and beverages from so-called 'high-traffic zones.'
These three locations—store entrances, aisle ends, and checkout areas—are usually the most valuable retail spaces, encouraging unplanned purchases. Rodha Mohammed, a resident of Oman, noted that this change will affect more than just shopping habits. She stated: 'This is an excellent, healthy step that will change many of our and our children's habits, especially impulse buying at the checkout. The checkout is a temptation zone; we buy things that are not good for our health just to fill waiting time.'
Omayma Saleh, a resident of Jordan, expressed concern about the store entrance. She said: 'Unhealthy products at the supermarket entrance have always worried me, especially in those tempting promotional displays. They distract you from your real needs. What I saw at Carrefour was wonderful. Displaying clean, healthy products upfront will prompt people to think before buying.'
For Mansour Al Hashmi, an Emirati citizen, this change is important for the family budget. He reported: 'We are a family of more than nine people, so I carefully monitor what I buy. What pleases me is that sweets are starting to disappear at the cashier. If you are buying for all the children at once, the cost is high, and the harm is even greater.'
The changes are not limited to store layout. Packaged products increasingly feature Nutri-Mark labeling—a rating system on the front of the package that ranks items from A (highest nutritional value) to E (lowest). Jamal Abdulaziz, a resident of Egypt, noted that these labels have changed the contents of his cart. He explained: 'The labeling pushed me to replace some products after seeing the sugar and hydrogenated oil levels in them. Honestly, I never paid attention before, and most of them were my daily staples: chocolate, chips, juices. I still love them, but my health is more important in the long run.'
Maha Ahmed, an Emirati citizen, added that the TAMM application fills gaps not yet covered by labeling. She clarified: 'I use the TAMM app, and it helps a lot, especially with products that don't yet have labels, because it classifies the products for you. I hope this initiative will eventually extend not only to food but also to baby, body, and skin care products.'
Khaleej Times personally observed this change at one of the Carrefour branches in Abu Dhabi, and social media reports indicate that the retail chain is gradually implementing this directive across all its stores in coordination with relevant authorities. This step is part of broader Abu Dhabi efforts, which include banning fast-food advertising and tightening school meal standards. This approach aims to change the environment around consumers rather than directly restricting their choices.
A shocking incident related to school meals has occurred in the Supaul district of Bihar. It was reported that more than one hundred students suddenly felt unwell after having lunch on Wednesday at Mirjawa Middle School, located in the Triveniganj sector.
Students claimed that a dead scorpion was found in the vegetable curry served. Panic ensued within the school complex. The school administration and local residents promptly transported a large number of children to the Triveniganj district hospital using various vehicles, causing temporary chaos at the hospital.
Fortunately, after receiving first aid at the hospital, the condition of all children stabilized. According to doctors, all students are not in danger and are under constant monitoring.
According to available information, rice and a vegetable dish made of potato and lentils were served to the children on Wednesday. Students stated that they discovered a dead scorpion in the vegetables during the meal, although most children had already eaten by then. Soon after eating, many children began complaining of a burning sensation in their throat, stomach pain, vomiting, dizziness, and anxiety. The situation quickly escalated: some children's conditions worsened, others started vomiting, and some became unconscious.
Upon noticing the deterioration of health, the school administration and teachers immediately sent all affected children for treatment. The arrival of this information attracted the attention of administrative officials, who also arrived at the scene.
The Director of the School Meal Program (DPM), Pankaj Kumar Singh, stated that after receiving notification from the District Education Officer (DEO), all information regarding the case was reviewed. Initial reports indicate that many children developed stomach aches and vomiting after consuming the school meal. He confirmed that some students alleged the presence of a scorpion in the food. A full investigation is currently underway, and if any negligence is found, the responsible parties will be severely punished.
The administration also stated that food samples would be tested to determine the exact cause of the children's health deterioration.
Dr. B.N. Paswan from the Triveniganj district hospital noted that over one hundred children were brought to the hospital after consuming the school meal. All children exhibited symptoms such as stomach pain, headaches, vomiting, and anxiety. After receiving emergency care, the condition of all students normalized, and none are in critical condition. Officials emphasized that they take the entire situation seriously, and it will only become clear after the investigation report whether there was indeed a scorpion in the food and who is responsible for the incident.
