Khubeza, the Wild Plant Palestinians in Gaza Are Foraging for Amid Soaring Hunger and War
The common mallow, which grows freely on traffic islands, roadsides and in fields, has always been seasonal Palestinian food. Now it's providing Gazans vital nutrients and sustenance in the absence of organized aid in the war-torn Strip
Amid the brutal war in Gaza, the majority of residents of the northern Strip have fled their homes, leaving behind a population of about 300,000 grappling with a new and dire challenge: Famine. Israel has prevented aid from reaching the northern part of Gaza, only intensifying the plight of the people who have remained there and managed to survive the bombs and bullets. With essential supplies scarce, they are left with few options to sustain themselves, resorting to consuming rotten food, animal feed and, increasingly, mallow plants.